Top 15 Birds of Nebraska
Nebraska's rich landscapes are home to an incredible diversity of birds. Below are 15 notable species you might encounter across the state, each playing a vital role in local ecosystems.
1. Western Meadowlark (Sturnella neglecta)
- Description: A medium-sized songbird with bright yellow underparts and a distinctive black "V" on its chest.
- Habitat: Open grasslands, prairies, and pastures.
- Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations and contributes to seed dispersal.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern, though grassland habitat loss poses challenges.
2. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
- Description: Small, vibrant yellow bird with black wings and cap in breeding males.
- Habitat: Fields, meadows, and woodland edges.
- Ecosystem Services: Aids in seed dispersal and weed control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
3. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Description: Large raptor with broad wings and characteristic reddish tail.
- Habitat: Open country, woodlands, and roadside areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Regulates rodent populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
4. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
- Description: Brilliant red plumage in males; females are brown with red accents.
- Habitat: Woodlands, thickets, and suburban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Helps disperse seeds and control insects.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
5. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Description: Large bird of prey with white head and tail contrasting with dark brown body.
- Habitat: Near rivers, lakes, and reservoirs.
- Ecosystem Services: Scavenger helping to clean ecosystems; predator of fish and waterfowl.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern, recovering strongly after conservation efforts.
6. Western Kingbird (Tyrannus verticalis)
- Description: Gray head and back, bright yellow belly, and black tail with white edges.
- Habitat: Open country, farmlands, and grasslands.
- Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
7. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
- Description: Small thrush with vivid blue plumage and rusty red chest.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, farmlands, and orchards.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control and seed dispersal.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern; benefitted from nest box programs.
8. Great Horned Owl (Bubo virginianus)
- Description: Large owl with prominent ear tufts and deep hooting call.
- Habitat: Forests, grasslands, deserts, and urban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Controls populations of rodents and other small mammals.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
9. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)
- Description: Medium-sized woodpecker with spotted plumage and distinctive red nape patch (in Eastern form).
- Habitat: Woodlands, parks, and suburban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control, especially ants and beetles.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
10. Snow Goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Description: Large white goose with black wingtips; blue morph also occurs.
- Habitat: Wetlands, agricultural fields, and lakes during migration.
- Ecosystem Services: Nutrient cycling and vegetation control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern; populations increasing.
11. Killdeer (Charadrius vociferus)
- Description: Brown and white plover with two black breast bands and loud call.
- Habitat: Open fields, shorelines, and gravel areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Controls insect populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
12. American White Pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
- Description: Large white waterbird with black wingtips and enormous bill with throat pouch.
- Habitat: Lakes, reservoirs, and rivers.
- Ecosystem Services: Helps maintain fish population balance.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
13. Barn Swallow (Hirundo rustica)
- Description: Sleek songbird with metallic blue upperparts, cinnamon underparts, and deeply forked tail.
- Habitat: Open areas, farmlands, and near water bodies.
- Ecosystem Services: Major insect predator, helping with pest control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
14. Ring-necked Pheasant (Phasianus colchicus)
- Description: Large gamebird with iridescent green head, white neck ring, and long tail.
- Habitat: Farmlands, grasslands, and wetlands.
- Ecosystem Services: Seed dispersal and insect control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern; widely introduced and managed as game species.
15. Dark-eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)
- Description: Small sparrow with slate-gray or brown upperparts and white belly.
- Habitat: Forests, woodland edges, and residential areas during winter.
- Ecosystem Services: Aids in seed dispersal and insect control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
