Western Meadowlark – Kansas State Bird
Kansas is a great place to watch and feed birds. Birdbaths, misters and drippers are especially effective in attracting birds, including non seed-eating species. Species that might be expected at feeders include: American Goldfinch, Carolina Wren, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and Mourning Dove. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
On this page
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Kansas
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Kansas. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Kansas.
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 Kansas are available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of Kansas
Both the Mountain and Eastern Bluebirds can be found in Kansas. The range of the Mountain Bluebird is generally limited to the western part of the state, range expands during migration.
The Eastern Bluebird has a pleasant, musical song and a similar easy-to-identify flight call. They are most often found in open woodlands, parks, fields, along golf courses and cemeteries. The can be found in suburban areas with adequate open space.
Eastern Bluebirds
Mountain Bluebird
Bluebirds can be attracted to peanut butter mixes, suet and fruit. Raisins soaked in hot water to soften them are well received. The bluebird’s special favorite is mealworms.
Nesting
In Kansas, nesting commences in early spring and continues well into the summer. One and sometimes two broods are produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds in Kansas
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Kansas. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. It flies across the Gulf of Mexico twice each year.
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird, male
Purple Martins in Kansas
Purple Martins arrive in Kansas in early spring, returning from their wintering grounds in South America. Check the Purple Martin section for information on martins in Kansas.
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martins are found throughout most of Kansas. They nest almost exclusively in man-made housing. Martin houses should be opened in late February or early March to greet early arrivals.
Purple Martin Scouts
In Kansas look for scouts to start arriving in early to mid-March. Both males and females can be scouts, they arrive to search for the best nesting locations. Martins tend to return to the same nesting location each year.
Purple Martin, male
Birding
Kansas provides birders with a variety of exciting birding locations.
The birding section of this site has tips on birding locations and bird identification. The state-based birding information section provides additional birding related information.
Kansas Resource Information
Jayhawk Audubon Society
PO Box 3741
Lawrence, KS 66047
Kanza Audubon Society
10178 W 293RD St
Reading, KS 66868
Leavenworth Audubon Society
1007 N 2nd St
Lansing, KS 66043
913-727-3871
Northern Flint Hills Audubon Society
PO Box 1932
Manhattan, KS 66505-1932
Smoky Hills Audubon Society
121 E. Third St.
Minnesota, KS 67467
Southeast Kansas Audubon Society
Chanute, KS 66720
620-431-1723
Sperry-Galligar Audubon Society
PO Box 205
Pittsburg, KS 66762
Topeka Audubon Society
PO Box 1941
Topeka, KS 66601
Wichita Audubon Society
PO Box 47607
Wichita, KS 67210
Birding Festivals
Birding festivals are a great way to become familiar with birding hotspots in any state. There are two spring festivals in Kansas.
Kansas Birding Festival
Wakefield, Kansas
April
Over 300 species can be seen in the area. This area is rich in birding opportunities during the later part of April. Not only are there native birds who inhabit the area year round, but it is the prime season for birds that migrate. Combine this with Milford Lake, the wetlands, and the native prairie; and you have the best locations in America for bird sightings.
Wings & Wetlands Weekend
Great Bend, Kansas
April
Features Cheyenne Bottoms/Quivira National Wildlife Refuge