Illinois Birding Resources

The Nifty Fifty

The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Illinois. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Illinois. View the guide by clicking here or on the Nifty Fifty link on the left.

You will need the free Flash player to view the guide.

Some birds prefer to stay near the ground, while others are almost always seen high in a tree. Look for the following notations in the species descriptions to determine where the species is most likely to be seen. If a note is not present, the bird does not have a strong affinity for a particular region.

• Look high.
• Look mid-story.
• Look low.

State Information

Birding Locations

Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge
Hyde Park in Chicago
Mississippi Palisades State Park
Rice Lake Conservation Area

Illinois State Bird - Northern Cardinal

Illinois Birding Events

Usually in April
Here within the southernmost counties of Illinois the birding opportunities are truly remarkable. The Festival has something for everyone by providing a venue of programs, guided hikes and tours for people of all ages and abilities from the casual wildlife watcher to the expert birder. Check our website -- the venue chances!

Vulture Fest
Usually in October
Makanda, Illinois
Phone: 618-549-5523
E-mail: info@vulturefest.com
Come to Southern Illinois in October! The fall colors should be brilliant in the area about that time. It was noticed that Makanda had a large population of black and turkey vultures that descended in the fall. The abundance of large trees and cliffs makes it a perfect place for the vultures. They seem to know when to come during the hunting season. When deer are wounded and escape the hunter they end up meeting their demise alone in the woods. The vulture has a unique digestive system that allows him to eat carrion, which is beneficial to our ecosystem and being the scavenger bird that he is, knows a good meal when he sees it. So, at this time, Makanda takes this opportunity to celebrate the vulture with a festival. For two days you can stroll past local vendors, listen to a variety of live music, see crafters, and taste delicious treats. This old-fashioned festival is a pleasure for the whole family.

Other resources and locations

If you have suggestions for additional birding resources in Illinois, from web sites to your favorite birding location, submit your information using the following form. You can cut and paste large amounts if text into the information field. Birding locations are the most desired, but any good resource on Illinois birds is welcomed.

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