Kentucky Birds

See which species visit our nature preserves each season.

January 05, 2021 | Last updated October 31, 2023

No matter what the season, there are always interesting birds to see at TNC in Kentucky's nature preserves. In fact, birds move through Kentucky all year long. Some change habitats within state borders; others stop by during spring and fall as part of long journeys between breeding grounds and warmer climates.

Here are a few favorites you might see at one of our Kentucky nature preserves or state Wildlife Management Areas—places where we are working with partners to protect and manage habitats for avian visitors. See you outside!

Summer Birds
Fall Birds
Winter Birds
Spring Birds

Summer

In summer, birds are feeding young hatchlings. Soon the youngsters learn to fly and eventually leave the nest. As the long days of summer begin to wane, birds are no longer as vocal as they had been in spring and early summer. Neotropical migrants prepare to make the long journey south for winter. As the days grow short, there is still a lot to see and hear before cooler weather arrives.

Wood ducks, herons and other birds can be spotted at our Kentucky preserves, like J im Beam Nature Preserve.

Kentucky Summer Birds

**Northern Bobwhite Quail** If you are near a grassland, you will likely hear, and maybe even see, this bird. This species was in decline, but populations are stabilizing thanks to habitat improvement. © Rick Conner

**Wood Duck** (Aix sponsa) After breeding season ends in early summer, colorful wood ducks nest and raise their young in ponds, lakes and streams near forests throughout Kentucky. © Shutterstock

**Ruby-throated Hummingbird** (Archilochus colubris) Don’t be fooled by the small size.of these jewel-colored birds. They can cross the Gulf of Mexico in a single flight. © Kent Mason

**Yellow-billed Cuckoo** (Coccyzus americanus) This bird prefers to stay hidden but can’t hide from its distinctive call. The best chance to catch a glimpse of this bird is at a conservation area. © Jim Williams

**Baltimore Oriole** (Icterus galbula) Fond of fruit and nectar as well as insects, Baltimore Orioles are easily lured to backyard feeders. They are commonly seen near streams. © Creative Commons/Andy Reago and Chrissy McClaren

**Green Heron** (Butorides virescens) These smaller herons can be found looking for fish anywhere there is water. © Steve S. Meyer

**Great-crested Flycatcher** (Myiarchus crinitus) These flycatchers can be found perched high up in a tree canopy, watching and waiting for their next meal. © Creative Commons/Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren

**Indigo Bunting** (Passerina cyanea) This bird represents one of the most common migrating birds in Kentucky during the summer. © Creative Commons/ Kurt Bauschardt

Fall

Fall is a time when falling leaves allow birdwatchers to catch a glimpse of some species that would otherwise be hidden in the trees. First come songbirds like warblers and vireos, followed by thrushes, grosbeaks and sparrows. As winter approaches, the woodpeckers, geese, ducks, loons and hawks arrive.

See birds fly through the changing leaves at our Sally Brown and Crutcher Nature Preserves.

Kentucky Fall Birds

**Yellow-rumped Warbler** As the leaves fall from the trees, this songbird can be found in dizzying numbers up in the trees. © Dan Pancamo/Creative Commons

**Winter Wren** This petite bird with an energetic song visits southern states during winter. © Jolanda den Hartog

**Hermit Thrush** This visitor feeds on insects located on Kentucky forest floors. © Becky Matsubara

**Ruby-crowned Kinglet** You are sure to come across this tiny bird during a hike through one of our nature preserves. © Creative Commons/Dale Scott

**Red-breasted Nuthatch** This small active bird will likely be spotted on the trunk of a tree in search of insects. © Creative Commons

**White-crowned Sparrow** You may find this winter visitor foraging on the ground, beneath the bird feeder. © Creative Commons/USFWS

**Ring-billed Gull** Likely seen near water, these gulls actually make Kentucky a winter home. © Creative Commons/David Slater

**Wilson's Snipe** This is a shorebird that makes a winter home in Kentucky wetlands. © Creative Commons/Glen Golson, Jr.

**Yellow-bellied Sapsucker** Listen before you look for this member of the woodpecker family! © Andrew Weitzel/Creative Commons

**Sandhill Crane** Most commonly spotted in central and western Kentucky, these elegant birds impress when seen in large numbers flying across the sky. © Chris Hezler/TNC

**Sharp-shinned Hawk** The smallest hawk in North America is easier to find with leaves off of the trees. © Creative Commons/Festive Coquette

Winter

In winter, birdwatchers have a chance to catch a glimpse of woodpeckers, geese, ducks, loons, hawks and other species that become more visible after trees lose their leaves.

Visit our Mantle Rock Preserve to see birds like sandhill cranes and the colorful eastern bluebird.

Kentucky Winter Birds

**Eastern Phoebe** While some migrate, many Eastern Phoebes remain in Kentucky during winter, switching from a diet of insects to berries and seeds. © Creative Commons/Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren

**Sandhill Cranes** You might see or hear Sandhill cranes, especially in central or western Kentucky, they fly overhead during winter migration. © The Nature Conservancy/Chris Hezler

**Lapland Longspur** Look beyond the woods during winter to find interesting ground birds that have a talent for blending in among open fields. © Creative Commons/Seabanirum

**Brown Creeper** Common to Kentucky during winter, the Brown Creeper weasels into tree bark with its long bill to find a meal. © Creative Commons/Andy Reago and Chrissy McClarren

**Eastern Bluebird** Partial to a mix of open grasslands and scattered trees, this forest “edge” species is admired for its beauty, gentle disposition, family devotion and delightful call. © Creative Commons

**Fox Sparrow** With similar coloring to a fox, this bird can be seen in Kentucky throughout the winter. © Creative Commons/Mark Sawyer

**Canvasback** Canvasbacks follow the freeze line during winter, going only as far south as they have to. Most winters they spend time wherever there is open water in Kentucky. © Creative Commons/Judy Gallagher

**Northern Harrier** With a face that almost looks like an owl, this hawk is always on the move—often hunting just above the ground over open land and agricultural areas. © Michael Janke

**American Woodcock** Although ground-dwelling woodcocks reside in Kentucky year-round, they are usually only seen during February and March. © Creative Commons/Fyn Kynd

**Great Horned Owl** As early as January, Great-horned owls have formed bonding pairs, begin nesting and are quite vocal, making a winter encounter with them even more rewarding. © Mark Conlin

**Red-winged Blackbird** This blackbird sticks around during winter and can be found in flocks of thousands. © Creative Commons/synspectrum

Spring

In springtime, eggs are laid and hatchlings can be heard squawking through Kentucky’s forests, grasslands, streams and prairies. These natural environments provide nesting grounds for an array of birds, especially spectacular populations of warblers.

Visit one of our Kentucky preserves, like Dupree Nature Preserve, in the spring to spot songbirds and hummingbirds.