Alabama Bird Watching and Feeding Information

Alabama is a wonderful state for watching and feeding birds. Migrating species swell local bird populations in the spring and fall. Popular species such as the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, Eastern Bluebirds and Purple Martins nest in the state.

The Nifty Fifty

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

If the guide does not load, try downloading the free Flash player.

Northern Flicker - Alabama State Bird

Bird feeding

Developing bird-friendly habitat in your yard is the best way to attract a greater variety of species and to support local and migrating species. Native plants provide food and cover, are more insect and disease resistant than non-native species, and may require less water. A list of bird-friendly native plants for Alabama are available by following the link on the left.

Bluebirds

The Eastern Bluebird is a year-round resident of Alabama. The Alabama population of Eastern Bluebirds increases during the winter as birds that summer further north move into the state for the winter. It is the only one of the three bluebird species to be found in Alabama.

The bluebird has a pleasant, musical song and a similar easy-to-identify flight call.

Eastern Bluebird, male.

Nesting
In Alabama, nesting can commence as early as March and continue well into the summer. Two and sometimes three broods are not uncommon.

Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.

Hummingbirds

The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that is normally found in Alabama. The dynamic Ruby-throated Hummingbird migrates back and forth across the Gulf of Mexico each year.

Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds.

Purple Martins

Purple Martins arrive early in Alabama each year. Check the Purple Martin section for information on martins in Alabama.

Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.

Purple Martin, male.

Birding

Alabama provides birders with a variety of excellent birding locations. Dauphin Island and much of the Alabama Gulf Coast are particularly good birding locations. The Alabama Forever Wild Land Program Land Tracts protect habitat and offer birding opportunities throughout the state.

The birding section of this site has tips on birding locations and bird identification. The state-based birding information section provides more localized information.

Alabama Resource Information

Alabama Ornithological Society
(251) 345-1012
Web site www.bham.net/aos/

Hummer/Bird Study Group, Inc.
P.O.Box 250, Clay, Alabama 35048-0250
(205) 681-2888
Web site www.hummingbirdsplus.org/

ALABAMA WILDBIRD CONSERVATION ASSOCIATION
1040 Fort Dale Road, Greenville, AL 36037
(334) 382-2680 or (800) 382-2696

Birmingham Audubon Society
PO Box 314
Birmingham, AL 35201
205-714-8227

Cullman Audubon Society
PO Box 1444
Cullman, AL 35056
256-352-8242

Mobile Bay Audubon Society
PO Box 483
Fairhope, AL 36533
251-990-0423

Tennessee Valley Audubon Society
411 Rock St SE
Hartselle, AL 35640

The Shoals Audubon Society
PO Box 282
Florence, AL 35630

Additional resources

If you have suggestions for additional resources for watching or feeding birds in Alabama, please submit them using this form. The resource does not need to be a particular location.

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