Top 15 Birds of Montana

Montana's diverse landscapes — from mountains and forests to prairies and wetlands — provide a home to a rich variety of bird species. Here are 15 remarkable birds that you can find across the state, each playing a vital role in Montana's ecosystems.

Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
Description: A large raptor with a distinctive white head and tail, and a powerful yellow beak.
Habitat: Rivers, lakes, and wetlands.
Ecosystem Services: Scavenger that helps clean up carrion; indicator of ecosystem health.
Conservation Status: Least Concern, though once endangered.

Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
Description: A medium-sized songbird with a bright yellow belly and melodious song.
Habitat: Grasslands and open fields.
Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Mountain Bluebird (Sialia currucoides)
Description: Brilliant sky-blue plumage, especially striking in males.
Habitat: Open woodlands and meadows.
Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Trumpeter Swan (Cygnus buccinator)
Description: North America's largest native waterfowl, entirely white with a black bill.
Habitat: Lakes, ponds, and marshes.
Ecosystem Services: Aquatic vegetation management.
Conservation Status: Least Concern, after significant recovery efforts.

Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
Description: Large owl with ear tufts and deep hooting calls.
Habitat: Forests, deserts, and urban areas.
Ecosystem Services: Rodent population control.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.

Sandhill Crane (Antigone canadensis)
Description: Tall, gray bird with a red forehead and long legs.
Habitat: Wet meadows, marshes, and prairies.
Ecosystem Services: Seed dispersal and soil aeration.
Conservation Status: Least Concern.

• American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)
  Description: Small, dark gray bird known for bobbing motions and diving in streams.
  Habitat: Fast-flowing mountain streams.
  Ecosystem Services: Indicator of clean water ecosystems.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.
• Peregrine Falcon (Falco peregrinus)
  Description: Sleek raptor famed for its speed and stooping dives.
  Habitat: Cliffs, mountains, and urban buildings.
  Ecosystem Services: Predator controlling bird populations.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern, once endangered due to pesticide use.
• Yellow Warbler (Setophaga petechia)
  Description: Bright yellow plumage with reddish streaks on chest (males).
  Habitat: Riparian areas and shrubby wetlands.
  Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.
• Black-billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)
  Description: Striking black-and-white plumage with iridescent blue-green wings.
  Habitat: Open country, farmlands, and ranchlands.
  Ecosystem Services: Carrion scavenger and pest control.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.
• Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)
  Description: Pale gray bird with black wings and tail.
  Habitat: High elevation coniferous forests.
  Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially of pine species.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.
• Common Loon (Gavia immer)
  Description: Large aquatic bird with black-and-white checkered back and eerie call.
  Habitat: Lakes and large ponds.
  Ecosystem Services: Indicator of water quality.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern, but sensitive to habitat disturbance.
• Sharp-tailed Grouse (Tympanuchus phasianellus)
  Description: Medium-sized grouse with pointed tail feathers and speckled plumage.
  Habitat: Grasslands and sagebrush prairies.
  Ecosystem Services: Seed dispersal.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.
• American Kestrel (Falco sparverius)
  Description: Small falcon with colorful plumage and quick hovering flight.
  Habitat: Open fields and grasslands.
  Ecosystem Services: Controls insect and small rodent populations.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern, though populations are declining in some areas.
• Calliope Hummingbird (Selasphorus calliope)
  Description: The smallest bird in North America, with vibrant magenta throat streaks (males).
  Habitat: Mountain meadows and open forests.
  Ecosystem Services: Pollination of native plants.
  Conservation Status: Least Concern.

These incredible birds contribute to the beauty, balance, and biodiversity of Montana. Observing and protecting them helps ensure a healthy environment for generations to come.