South Dakota Birding Resources

South Dakota’s diverse terrain, from rolling hills to sky-piercing granite peaks to lush mountain meadows and prairie marshes and lakes, is home to nearly 400 species of birds. Our unique combination of landscapes and diversity of bird species is stunning – perfect for the bird watching enthusiast.

The Nifty Fifty

The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of South Dakota. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of South Dakota. 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

South Dakota Ornithologist's Union

South Dakota Checklist

Recent Bird Sightings

Birding Locations

Black Hills National Forest

Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge

South Dakota State Bird - Ring-necked Pheasant

South Dakota Birding Events

Bald Eagle Awareness Days

Annually in February
Pierre, South Dakota
Phone: 605-773-4229
E-mail: Eileen.DowdStukel@state.sd.us

This annual event is a joint effort by conservation agencies and organizations to increase public involvement and awareness concerning bald eagles and other raptors. Bald eagles are found only in North America. The bald eagle is the symbol of our nation, chosen because of its majestic and graceful appearance and its aura of power and wildness.

Sand Lake Eagle Day

(Not being held in 2008 due to construction)
Usually in March
Sand Lake National Wildlife Refuge
, Columbia, South Dakota

Phone: 605-885-6320
E-mail: sandlake@fws.gov

Eagle Day celebrates the spectacular spring migration through Sand Lake Refuge and the James River Valley. It is a day filled with free activities the entire family will enjoy! All activities are FREE and take place at Refuge Headquarters noon to 5:00.

Other resources and locations

If you have suggestions for additional birding resources in South Dakota, 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 South Dakota birds is welcomed.

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