American Robin – Wisconsin State Bird
Wisconsin 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, Carolina 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 Wisconsin
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Wisconsin. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Wisconsin.
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 Wisconsin is available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of Wisconsin
The Eastern Bluebird is the only one of the 3 bluebird species regularly found in Wisconsin.
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
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
The Eastern Bluebird begins nesting in Wisconsin in early spring. One, two and sometimes three broods may be produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds of Wisconsin
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Wisconsin. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. In a remarkable journey for such a tiny bird, it migrates across the Gulf of Mexico twice each year.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Purple Martins of Wisconsin
Purple Martins arrive in Wisconsin early each year, returning from their wintering grounds in South America. Visit the Purple Martin section for information on attracting and caring for Purple Martins.
Purple Martin – male
Birding
Wisconsin 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.
Wisconsin Resource Information
Aldo Leopold Audubon Society
PO Box 928
Stevens Point, WI 54481
Chappee Rapids Aud Soc
N 2982 Cooke La
Marinette, WI 54143
Chequamegon Audubon Society
PO Box 342
Washburn, WI 54891
Coulee Region Audubon Society
PO Box 2573
La Crosse, WI 54602
Fond Du Lac County Audubon Society
PO Box 84
Fond Du Lac, WI 54936-0084
Green Rock Audubon Society
Janesville, WI 53545
Hoy Audubon Society
P.O. Box 044626
Racine, WI 53404
Lakeland Audubon Society
PO Box 473
Elkhorn, WI 53121
Madison Audubon Society
222 South Hamilton
Suite 1
Madison, WI 53703
608-255-2473
Fax 608-255-2489
Milwaukee Audubon Society
1111 E Brown Deer Rd
Bayside, WI 53217
414-352-2437
Fax 414-228-6317
Northeastern Wisconsin Audubon Society
PO Box 1
Green Bay, WI 54305
Sheboygan County Audubon Society
1106 Whittier Ave
Sheboygan, WI 53083
920-565-2577
Winnebago Audubon Society
PO Box 184
Oshkosh, WI 54903
920-589-2602
Wisconsin Metro Audubon Society
6492 S 121st St
Franklin, WI 53132
414-425-9616
Wisconsin Birding Festivals
Chequamegon Bay Birding and Nature Festival: May
Irownwood, Ashland County. Wisconsin
Horicon Marsh Bird Festival
May
Beaver Dam, Wisconsin
Phone: (920) 210-4832
Horicon Marsh Bird Club was organized in August 1994, for the purpose of studying and sharing with others the rich bird life of the Horicon Marsh and Eastern Wisconsin. If you’re a birder or a naturalist or just someone who enjoys the beauty of nature we encourage you to come visit Horicon Marsh. The Horicon Marsh Bird Festval will focus on introducing vititors to many of these birds at the peak of the spring migration.