Western Meadowlark – Wyoming State Bird
Wyoming is a great place to watch and feed birds. Birdbaths, misters and drippers are especially effective in attracting birds in the drier parts of the state. Those in higher elevations will also find birdbaths useful and will enjoy a different group of visitors. Species expected at bird feeders include: Black-headed Grosbeak, Cassin’s Finch, Downy Woodpecker, Pine Siskin, Red-winged Blackbird and Steller’s Jay. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Wyoming
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Wyoming. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Wyoming.
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 Wyoming are available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of Wyoming
All three species of bluebirds are summer residents in Wyoming, although the Mountain Bluebird is the only one of the three to be widespread within 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. The Mountain Bluebird can be found in higher elevations in open meadows in coniferous forests.
Western Bluebird, its range in Wyoming is limited to the southern edge of the state.
The Mountain Bluebird is well known for its hovering flight as it hawks for insects.
Eastern Bluebird, range limited to eastern edge of Wyoming.
Both the Eastern and Western bluebirds have musical flight calls that often reveal their presence.
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 Wyoming, nesting can commence early spring and can continue well into the summer. One or two broods may be produced.
Watch for House Sparrows trying to use the next box and immediately remove any House Sparrow nesting material.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds of Wyoming
Four species of hummingbirds can be found in Wyoming, with ranges primarily limited to the western edge of the state.
- Black-chinned Hummingbird
- Broad-tailed Hummingbird
- Calliope Hummingbird
- Rufous Hummingbird
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Broad-tailed Hummingbird, male
Purple Martins
Purple Martins nest in natural cavities in a very limited range in Wyoming.
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section of this site.
Purple Martin, male
Birding
Wyoming provides birders with a variety of excellent birding locations. The mountains and contrasting grassland areas attract a diverse collection of species.
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.
Wyoming Resource Information
Bighorn Audubon Society
Sheridan, WY 82801
Cheyenne-High Plains Audubon Society
PO Box 2502
Cheyenne, WY 82003-2502
Laramie Audubon Society
PO Box 878
Laramie, WY 82073
307-766-2129
Meadowlark Audubon Society
26 North Ridge Drive
Cody, WY 82414
307-527-5030
Murie Audubon Society
P.O. Box 2112
Casper, WY 82602
Powder River Audubon Society
Gillette, WY 82716
307-756-3941
Red Desert Audubon Society
PO Box 882
Lander, WY 82520
307-332-2408
Rendezvous Valley Audubon Society
PO Box 1865
Pinedale, WY 82941
307-367-4629
Wyoming Birding Festivals
Platte Valley Festival of Birds
Annually in June
Saratoga, Wyoming
Phone: 800-228-3547
E-mail : [email protected]
The Platte Valley Festival of Birds offers a variety of opportunities to observe and learn about the bird species dwelling in riparian, woodland and wetlands habitats within reach of Saratoga and Encampment, Wyoming. Workshops such as wildlife photography, nest-box building and wetlands and riparian ecology may also be featured. As a special bonus, a dinner banquet and guided bird watching float trips on the beautiful North Platte River are available. For more info, call Wings Over Carbon County 307-326-8073.