Birdwatching in Arkansas: Common Birds, Best Locations, and Peak Migration Seasons
If you love birds and the great outdoors, Arkansas is a fantastic place to explore. Known as the Natural State, it’s home to an incredible variety of bird species that make birdwatching here a rewarding experience. Arkansas has something for every bird enthusiast. In this guide, we’ll cover some of the most common birds of Arkansas you’ll see, the top places to go birdwatching, and the best times of year to spot migratory birds.
What Birds Can You Expect to See in Arkansas?
Arkansas is a goldmine for birdwatchers. No matter if you’re strolling through a park or peeking out your window, there’s always something interesting fluttering around. Here are some of the most common birds you’ll spot:
1. Northern Cardinals (Cardinalis cardinalis)
You can’t miss these bright red beauties. Northern Cardinals are one of the most recognizable backyard birds of Arkansas. The males are a stunning red, while the females are a softer brown with hints of red. They’re frequent visitors to bird feeders, especially in winter.
Did you know? Cardinals mate for life and are highly territorial. You’ll often see them chasing off other birds from their favorite feeding spots.
2. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
These friendly, familiar birds love hopping around on lawns, looking for worms. Their reddish-orange breasts and cheerful songs make them easy to spot, and they’re often seen in suburban yards, forests, and parks.
In the spring, robins are one of the first birds to wake up and start singing at dawn. Their songs are a sure sign that warmer weather is on the way.
3. Carolina Chickadee (Poecile carolinensis)
These small birds are full of energy. With their black caps and white cheeks, they’re fun to watch as they dart around bird feeders. They’re curious, social, and always up to something.
Carolina Chickadees are famous for their “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call. The more “dee” sounds they add, the more alarmed they are.
4. Blue Jays (Cyanocitta cristata)
Loud, bold, and strikingly beautiful, Blue Jays are known for their intelligence and bright blue plumage. They’re commonly seen in wooded areas, parks, and backyards, often making their presence known with their noisy calls.
Fun fact: Blue Jays are excellent mimics and can imitate the calls of hawks to scare away other birds from their territory.
5. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
These vibrant blue-and-orange birds are wonderful to see. They love open areas like fields and pastures, and thanks to nest boxes, their population has been thriving in Arkansas.
If you want to attract Eastern Bluebirds to your yard, consider putting up a bluebird house. They love to nest in man-made structures when natural tree hollows are scarce.
6. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
Despite its name, this woodpecker is best recognized by the red markings on its head. They love wooded areas and are frequent visitors to backyard feeders, where they enjoy suet and nuts.
These woodpeckers have incredibly long tongues, about twice the length of their beak. They use them to pull insects from deep crevices in trees.
7. White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)
These little sparrows are known for their crisp white throat and yellow spots above their eyes. Their sweet, whistling songs make them a pleasure to have around during migration.
White-throated Sparrows have a distinctive song that sounds like “Oh sweet Canada, Canada, Canada.” If you listen carefully, you might hear them singing in the early morning hours.
8. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
A true symbol of America, Bald Eagles are an awe-inspiring sight. They’re often found near rivers and lakes, like the Arkansas River, where they hunt for fish. Thanks to conservation efforts, their numbers have been steadily increasing.
Bald Eagles build enormous nests, some measuring up to 10 feet wide and weighing over a thousand pounds. They return to the same nest year after year, adding new layers each season.
9. Ruby-throated Hummingbird (Archilochus colubris)
These tiny, fast-moving birds are a favorite among backyard birders. Males have a striking red throat, while females are green and white. They love flower gardens and hummingbird feeders, especially in the warmer months.
Hummingbirds flap their wings up to 80 times per second. They have an incredibly high metabolism and must eat almost constantly to keep up their energy levels.
10. Dark-eyed Juncos (Junco hyemalis)
These small birds are a common winter sight, often seen foraging on the ground in small groups. Their gray-and-white coloring makes them easy to recognize, and they love black-oil sunflower seeds.
Dark-eyed Juncos are often called “snowbirds” because they migrate south just as winter arrives. If you see them, you know that chilly weather isn’t far behind.
Places to Go Birdwatching in Arkansas
Arkansas is home to numerous state parks, national forests, and wildlife refuges that offer excellent birdwatching opportunities. Here are some of the top locations to explore:
1. Holla Bend National Wildlife Refuge
Located along the Arkansas River, this refuge is an excellent birding destination for spotting waterfowl, shorebirds, and raptors like the Bald Eagle.
2. Bayou Meto Wildlife Management Area
This wetland habitat is perfect for observing large flocks of waterfowl, including the Black-bellied Whistling-Duck and American White Pelican.
3. Cache River National Wildlife Refuge
This refuge is famous for its bottomland hardwood forests, where birders can spot the elusive Red-cockaded Woodpecker and other species of birds.
4. Petit Jean State Park
Known for its scenic beauty, Petit Jean State Park offers a diverse range of bird species, from raptors like Broad-winged Hawks to colorful songbirds such as the American Goldfinch.
5. White River National Wildlife Refuge
Spanning over 160,000 acres, this refuge is a paradise for birders looking to spot the Roseate Spoonbill, Swallow-tailed Kite, and Wood Duck.
6. Mount Magazine State Park
As the highest point in Arkansas, Mount Magazine provides a unique habitat for high-altitude bird species, including the Peregrine Falcon and Greater Roadrunner.
Best Times of Year to See Migratory Birds in Arkansas
Arkansas is a crucial stopover for migratory birds as they travel between breeding and wintering grounds. The best times to see these birds depend on the species and their migration patterns.
Spring Migration (March–May)
Spring is one of the most exciting times for birdwatching in Arkansas. Many species, including the Yellow-billed Cuckoo, pass through the state on their way north. Look for:
- Warblers, tanagers, and thrushes migrating through forests.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbirds arriving in early April.
- Waterfowl lingering in wetlands before heading north.
Breeding Season (May–July)
- Birds like Carolina Wrens and Eastern Bluebirds are busy nesting.
- Yellow-billed Cuckoos become more noticeable.
Summer (June–August)
While migration slows during summer, Arkansas remains home to a variety of nesting birds. Key species include:
- Eastern Bluebirds, Indigo Buntings, and Carolina Wrens nesting in woodlands.
- Herons and egrets nesting in wetland areas.
- Swallows and Chimney Swifts soaring over open habitats.
Fall Migration (September–November)
As temperatures cool, many birds begin their journey south. This is a great time to see:
- Broad-winged Hawks and Sharp-shinned Hawks migrating along ridges and river valleys.
- Large flocks of Red-winged Blackbirds and American Crows gathering in agricultural fields.
- American Robins and European Starlings form massive large flocks.
- Water birds like wood ducks and lesser scaups start their journey south.
Winter (December–February)
Winter brings an influx of northern species seeking milder conditions. Expect to see:
- Bald Eagles congregating around lakes and rivers.
- Dark-eyed Juncos, Pine Siskins, and White-breasted Nuthatches visiting backyard feeders.
- Large flocks of Snow Geese and Sandhill Cranes gathering in wetlands.
How to Attract Birds to Your Yard
Want to bring the birds to you? Setting up bird feeders is one of the best ways to attract all kinds of species. Here’s what to offer:
- Black-oil Sunflower Seeds – A favorite of northern cardinals, blue jays, and house sparrows.
- Nectar Feeders – Perfect for keeping ruby-throated hummingbirds happy.
- Suet Feeders – A hit with woodpeckers, including yellow-bellied sapsuckers and brown-headed nuthatches.
Why Bird Conservation Matters
Birds face challenges from climate change and habitat loss, but conservation efforts are making a difference. Groups like the Arkansas Game and Fish Commission work hard to protect species like the Bachman’s Sparrow. Their efforts help prevent extinctions, such as the tragic loss of the Passenger Pigeon and the near disappearance of the Eskimo Curlew.
Conclusion
Arkansas is a fantastic place for birdwatching, no matter if you’re after the elusive greater roadrunner or enjoying the sight of large flocks of red-winged blackbirds. So grab your field guide, check the range maps, and head out to the open habitats for an adventure. There’s always something new to see.
Birdwatching Resources: Looking for more info? Check out a second edition field guide or visit online birding groups for updates on new species and conservation programs.