California Gull – Utah State Bird
Utah 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, Black-headed Grosbeak, Bullock’s Oriole, Steller’s Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Flicker and Mourning Dove. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
On this page
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Utah
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Utah. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Utah.
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 Utah is available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of Utah
The Mountain Bluebird is a summer resident in Utah and nests throughout the state in appropriate habitat.
The Western Bluebird summers in the Utah “panhandle” and migrates throughout most of the state.
Bluebirds are usually found in fields, open woodlands, parks or along golf courses or other open areas, including suburban locations with open spaces and scattered tress. In the mountains, they are found in clearings and meadows.
The Mountain Bluebird is well known for its hovering flight as it hawks for insects.
Western 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 Utah nesting can commence early spring and can continue well into the summer. One or two broods is typical for both species.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds of Utah
Five species of hummingbirds can be found in Utah. The south west corner of the state is the most productive area when looking for hummingbirds.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Costa’s Hummingbird
- Anna’s Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
The Broad-tailed Hummingbird is the most widespread of the hummingbirds found in Utah.
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Purple Martins
Purple Martins arrive in Utah early each year, returning from their wintering grounds in South America. Populations are spotty. They use natural cavities in Utah, unlike the managed housing used in the eastern United States.
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martin – male
Birding
Utah 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.
Utah Resource Information
Great Salt Lake Audubon Society
P.O. Box 520867
Salt Lake City, UT 84152
801-521-2939
Red Cliffs Audubon Society
P.O. Box 1225
St. George, UT 84771
Wasatch Audubon Society
P.O. Box 3211
Ogden, UT 84409
801-625-7595
Utah Birding Festivals
Delta Snow Goose Festival February
Delta, Utah
Great Salt Lake Birding Festival
Annually in May
Farmington, Utah
Phone: 801-451-3286
E-mail: tour@co.davis.ut.us
Come to the Annual Great Salt Lake Bird Festival and see birds on and around the world famous Great Salt Lake. The Festival features bus/van trips with guides, workshops, speakers, Dutch oven dinner, artists, booths, kayaks, food, and youth activities. Held at Davis County FairPark, located approximately 15 miles north of Salt Lake City.
St. George Winter Bird Festival
Annually in January
Tonaquint Park & Nature Center, St. George, Utah
Phone: 435-627-4560
An opportunity to explore and learn about the natural areas of Southwest Utah and our many birding Hot Spots! The Festival is designed for the beginning and the experienced birder. Enjoy the many field trips, presentations and workshops at the Bird Festival centered in Tonaquint Park. Workshops, presentations, bird walks, and banquet.