List of birds of Wisconsin



This list of birds of Wisconsin includes species documented in the U.S. state of Wisconsin and accepted by the Records Committee of the Wisconsin Society for Ornithology (WSORC). As of July 2022 there were 441 species and a species pair included in the official list. Of them, 92 are classed as accidental, 34 are classed as casual, 53 are classed as rare, eight have been introduced to North America, and two are known to be extinct and another is thought to be. An additional 12 species are classed as hypothetical. An additional accidental species has been added from another source.

This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 62nd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS). Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them.

Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in Wisconsin as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants. These tags are used to annotate some species:


 * (A) Accidental - species with fewer than one record every five years per the WSO
 * (C) Casual - species with at least one record every one to five years per the WSO
 * (R) Rare - species found annually but with fewer than eight records per year according to the WSO
 * (I) Introduced - species established in North America solely as result of direct or indirect human action
 * (E) Extinct - recent species which no longer exist
 * (H) Hypothetical - species which have been reported but not confirmed

Ducks, geese, and waterfowl
Order: AnseriformesFamily: Anatidae

The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. Forty-five species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (C)
 * Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (A)
 * Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
 * Ross's goose, Anser rossii
 * Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
 * Brant, Branta bernicla (A)
 * Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii
 * Canada goose, Branta canadensis
 * Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I)
 * Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator
 * Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
 * Wood duck, Aix sponsa
 * Garganey, Spatula querquedula (A)
 * Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
 * Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera (C)
 * Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
 * Gadwall, Mareca strepera
 * Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope (C)
 * American wigeon, Mareca americana
 * Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
 * American black duck, Anas rubripes
 * Northern pintail, Anas acuta
 * Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
 * Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
 * Redhead, Aythya americana
 * Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
 * Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (A)
 * Greater scaup, Aythya marila
 * Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
 * King eider, Somateria spectabilis (C)
 * Common eider, Somateria mollissima (A)
 * Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus (R)
 * Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
 * White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi
 * Black scoter, Melanitta americana
 * Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
 * Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
 * Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
 * Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica (C)
 * Smew, Mergellus albellus (A)
 * Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
 * Common merganser, Mergus merganser
 * Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
 * Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus (A)
 * Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis

New World quail
Order: GalliformesFamily: Odontophoridae

The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (R)

Pheasants, grouse, and allies
Order: GalliformesFamily: Phasianidae

Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. Eight species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
 * Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus
 * Spruce grouse, Canachites canadensis (R)
 * Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (A)
 * Sharp-tailed grouse, Tympanuchus phasianellus (R)
 * Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido
 * Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I) (R)
 * Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)

Grebes
Order: PodicipediformesFamily: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Five confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
 * Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
 * Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena (R)
 * Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (R)
 * Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R)
 * Clark's grebe, Aechmophorus clarkii (H)

Pigeons and doves
Order: ColumbiformesFamily: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Eight species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
 * Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (A)
 * Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I)
 * Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (E)
 * Inca dove Columbina inca (A)
 * Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (A)
 * White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (C)
 * Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura

Cuckoos
Order: CuculiformesFamily: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris (A)
 * Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
 * Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Nightjars and allies
Order: CaprimulgiformesFamily: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
 * Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostmus carolinensis (R)
 * Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus

Swifts
Order: ApodiformesFamily: Apodidae

The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have very long, swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica

Hummingbirds
Order: ApodiformesFamily: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. Eight species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Mexican violetear, Colibri thalassinus (A)
 * Green-breasted mango, Anthracothorax prevostii (A)
 * Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
 * Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (C)
 * Allen's hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin (R)
 * Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (R)
 * Broad-billed hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris (A)
 * Buff-bellied hummingbird, Amazilia yucatanensis (A)

Rails, gallinules, and coots
Order: GruiformesFamily: Rallidae

Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and tend to be weak fliers. Eight species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * King rail, Rallus elegans (R)
 * Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
 * Sora, Porzana carolina
 * Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
 * American coot, Fulica americana
 * Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (A)
 * Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)
 * Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (A)

Cranes
Order: GruiformesFamily: Gruidae

Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis
 * Whooping crane, Grus americana (R)

Stilts and avocets
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Recurvirostridae

Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (R)
 * American avocet, Recurvirostra americana

Plovers and lapwings
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Charadriidae

The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Seven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
 * American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
 * Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
 * Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
 * Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (R)
 * Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (A)
 * Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (A)

Sandpipers and allies
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Scolopacidae

Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Thirty-five confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (R)
 * Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus (R)
 * Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (A) (believed extinct)
 * Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (A)
 * Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (R)
 * Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa (R)
 * Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
 * Black turnstone, Arenaria melanocephala (A)
 * Red knot, Calidris canutus (R)
 * Ruff, Calidris pugnax (C)
 * Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (A)
 * Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
 * Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (A)
 * Sanderling, Calidris alba
 * Dunlin, Calidris alpina
 * Purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima (C)
 * Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
 * Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
 * White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
 * Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
 * Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
 * Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
 * Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri (R)
 * Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
 * Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
 * American woodcock, Scolopax minor
 * Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
 * Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
 * Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
 * Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
 * Willet, Tringa semipalmata
 * Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (H)
 * Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
 * Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
 * Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus (R)
 * Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (R)

Skuas and jaegers
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Stercorariidae

Skuas and jaegers are in general medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (C)
 * Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
 * Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (C)

Auks, murres, and puffins
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Alcidae

The family Alcidae includes auks, murres, and puffins. These are short-winged birds that live on the open sea and normally only come ashore for breeding. Three confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Dovekie, Alle alle (A)
 * Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (A)
 * Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (H)
 * Ancient murrelet, Synthliboarmphus antiquus (A)

Gulls, terns, and skimmers
Order: CharadriiformesFamily: Laridae

Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Twenty-nine confirmed and two hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (C)
 * Ivory gull, Pagophila eburnea (A)
 * Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (R)
 * Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
 * Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (A)
 * Little gull, Hydrocoleus minutus (R)
 * Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (A)
 * Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (R)
 * Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan
 * Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (A)
 * Common gull/short-billed gull, Larus canus/Larus brachyrhynchus (C)
 * Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
 * California gull, Larus californicus (C)
 * Herring gull, Larus argentatus
 * Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides
 * Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
 * Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (C)
 * Glaucous-winged gull, Larus glaucescens (A)
 * Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
 * Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus
 * Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscata (A)
 * Least tern, Sternula antillarum (A)
 * Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (H)
 * Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
 * Black tern, Chlidonias niger
 * White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus (A)
 * Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (H)
 * Common tern, Sterna hirundo
 * Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (C)
 * Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri
 * Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (A)

Loons
Order: GaviiformesFamily: Gaviidae

Loons are aquatic birds the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
 * Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (R)
 * Common loon, Gavia immer

Storks
Order: CiconiiformesFamily: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills, and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Jabiru, Jabiru mycteria (A)
 * Wood stork, Mycteria americana (A)

Frigatebirds
Order: SuliformesFamily: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (A)

Anhingas
Order: SuliformesFamily: Anhingidae

Anhingas are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (A)

Cormorants and shags
Order: SuliformesFamily: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum
 * Neotropic cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianum (A)

Pelicans
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
 * Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (A)

Herons, egrets, and bitterns
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Ardeidae

The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills. Eleven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
 * Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
 * Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
 * Great egret, Ardea alba
 * Snowy egret, Egretta thula (R)
 * Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (R)
 * Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (C)
 * Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
 * Green heron, Butorides virescens
 * Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
 * Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea (R)

Ibises and spoonbills
Order: PelecaniformesFamily: Threskiornithidae

The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. Four species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * White ibis, Eudocimus albus (A)
 * Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (C)
 * White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (R)
 * Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (A)

New World vultures
Order: CathartiformesFamily: Cathartidae

The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers, however, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black vulture, Coragyps atratus (A)
 * Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura

Osprey
Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Pandionidae

Pandionidae is a monotypic family of fish-eating birds of prey, possessing a very large, powerful hooked beak for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.


 * Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, eagles, and kites
Order: AccipitriformesFamily: Accipitridae

Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey, which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. Sixteen species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (A)
 * Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (C) extirpated
 * Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
 * Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
 * Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
 * Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
 * American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus
 * Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
 * Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (C)
 * Harris's hawk, Parabuteo unicinctus (A)
 * Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
 * Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
 * Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (C)
 * Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
 * Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
 * Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis (A)

Barn-owls
Order: StrigiformesFamily: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Barn owl, Tyto alba (C)

Owls
Order: StrigiformesFamily: Strigidae

Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Eleven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio
 * Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
 * Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus (R)
 * Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (C)
 * Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (A)
 * Barred owl, Strix varia
 * Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (C)
 * Long-eared owl, Asio otus
 * Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
 * Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (C)
 * Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus

Kingfishers
Order: CoraciiformesFamily: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon

Woodpeckers
Order: PiciformesFamily: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Ten species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (A)
 * Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
 * Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
 * Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
 * American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis (A)
 * Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (R)
 * Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
 * Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
 * Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
 * Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus

Falcons and caracaras
Order: FalconiformesFamily: Falconidae

Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Six species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (A)
 * American kestrel, Falco sparverius
 * Merlin, Falco columbarius
 * Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
 * Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus
 * Prairie falcon, Falco mexicanus (A)

New World and African parrots
Order: PsittaciformesFamily: Psittacidae

Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. Most of the more than 150 species in this family are found in the New World. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (E)

Tyrant flycatchers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. Twenty and a possible twenty-first confirmed species, and one hypothetical species, have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens (A)
 * Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
 * Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (A)
 * Tropical kingbird/Couch's kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus/Tyrannus couchii (A)
 * Cassin's kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans (H)
 * Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis (R)
 * Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
 * Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (R)
 * Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (A)
 * Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
 * Western wood-pewee, Contopus sordidulus (A)
 * Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
 * Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
 * Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
 * Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
 * Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
 * Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
 * Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii (A)
 * Dusky flycatcher, Empidonax oberholseri (A)
 * Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe
 * Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya (C)
 * Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (A)

Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Vireonidae

The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
 * Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii
 * Gray vireo, Vireo vicinior (A)
 * Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
 * Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius
 * Plumbeous vireo, Vireo plumbeus (H)
 * Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
 * Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
 * Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus

Shrikes
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Laniidae

Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (R)
 * Northern shrike, Lanius borealis

Crows, jays, and magpies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Corvidae

The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Six species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis (R)
 * Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
 * Clark's nutcracker, Nucifraga columbiana (A)
 * Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia (C)
 * American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
 * Common raven, Corvus corax

Tits, chickadees, and titmice
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Paridae

The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
 * Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (R)
 * Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor

Larks
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Alaudidae

Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris

Swallows
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Hirundinidae

The family Hirundinidae is a group of passerines characterized by their adaptation to aerial feeding. These adaptations include a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and short bills with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Seven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
 * Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
 * Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
 * Purple martin, Progne subis
 * Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
 * Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
 * Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (A)

Leaf warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Phylloscopidae

Leaf warblers are a family of small insectivorous birds found mostly in Eurasia and ranging into Wallacea and Africa. The Arctic warbler breeds east into Alaska. The species are of various sizes, often green-plumaged above and yellow below, or more subdued with grayish-green to grayish-brown colors. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Yellow-browed warbler, Phylloscopus inornatus (H)

Kinglets
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Regulidae

The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their names. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
 * Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa

Waxwings
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Bombycillidae

The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
 * Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum

Silky-flycatchers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Ptiliogonatidae

The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species extends to central California. They are related to waxwings and like that group, have soft silky plumage, usually gray or pale yellow in color. They have small crests. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens (A)

Nuthatches
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet. Three species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
 * White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
 * Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla (A)

Treecreepers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Brown creeper, Certhia americana

Gnatcatchers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Polioptilidae

These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. Many species have distinctive black head patterns (especially males) and long, regularly cocked, black-and-white tails. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea

Wrens
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Seven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (A)
 * House wren, Troglodytes aedon
 * Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis
 * Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
 * Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
 * Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
 * Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (A)

Mockingbirds and thrashers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Mimidae

The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. Five species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
 * Curve-billed thrasher, Toxostoma curvirostre (A)
 * Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
 * Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (A)
 * Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (R)

Starlings
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are medium-sized passerines with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and they are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. Plumage is typically dark with a metallic sheen. One species has been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)

Thrushes and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Turdidae

The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Ten species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
 * Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (C)
 * Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (R)
 * Veery, Catharus fuscescens
 * Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
 * Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
 * Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
 * Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
 * American robin, Turdus migratorius
 * Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (R)

Old World flycatchers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Muscicapidae

The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small passerine birds. These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing. One hypothetical species has been recorded in Wisconsin


 * Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (H)

Old World sparrows
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. Two species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)
 * Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus (I) (C)

Wagtails and pipits
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Motacillidae

Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender, ground-feeding insectivores of open country. One confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * American pipit, Anthus rubescens
 * Sprague's pipit, Anthus spragueii (H)

Finches, euphonias, and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Fringillidae

Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Twelve confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (A)
 * Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
 * Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
 * Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis (A)
 * House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced in the east)
 * Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
 * Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
 * Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (R)
 * Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
 * White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
 * Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
 * Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria (H)
 * American goldfinch, Spinus tristis

Longspurs and snow buntings
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Calcariidae

The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that were traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
 * Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (A)
 * Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (C)
 * Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis

New World sparrows
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Twenty-seven species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
 * Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata (A)
 * Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
 * Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (C)
 * Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
 * Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
 * Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla
 * Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
 * American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
 * Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
 * White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
 * Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (A)
 * Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (R)
 * White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
 * Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
 * LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii
 * Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni (R)
 * Baird's sparrow, Centronyx bairdii (A)
 * Henslow's sparrow, Centronyx henslowii
 * Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
 * Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
 * Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
 * Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana
 * Rufous-crowned sparrow, Aimophila ruficeps (A)
 * Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (A)
 * Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus (C)
 * Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Yellow-breasted chat
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Icteriidae

This species was historically placed in the wood-warblers (Parulidae) but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was placed in its own family in 2017.


 * Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens

Troupials and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Icteridae

The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Sixteen species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
 * Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
 * Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
 * Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta
 * Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
 * Hooded oriole, Icterus cucullatus (A)
 * Streak-backed oriole, Icterus pustulatus (A)
 * Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (A)
 * Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
 * Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum (A)
 * Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
 * Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
 * Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
 * Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus
 * Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
 * Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus (A)

New World warblers
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Parulidae

The wood-warblers are a group of small and often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some like the ovenbird and the two waterthrushes, are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Forty-two confirmed and one hypothetical species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
 * Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (R)
 * Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
 * Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
 * Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
 * Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera
 * Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
 * Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
 * Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (A)
 * Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina
 * Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
 * Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla
 * Virginia's warbler, Leiothlypis virginiae (H)
 * Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
 * MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (A)
 * Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
 * Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa (R)
 * Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
 * Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
 * American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
 * Kirtland's warbler, Setophaga kirtlandii (R)
 * Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
 * Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea
 * Northern parula, Setophaga americana
 * Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia
 * Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
 * Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
 * Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
 * Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
 * Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
 * Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens
 * Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
 * Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus
 * Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
 * Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (R)
 * Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (R)
 * Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (A)
 * Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (A)
 * Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (A)
 * Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
 * Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
 * Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
 * Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus (A)

Cardinals and allies
Order: PasseriformesFamily: Cardinalidae

The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Twelve species have been recorded in Wisconsin.


 * Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (R)
 * Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
 * Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (R)
 * Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
 * Pyrrhuloxia, Cardinalis sinuatus (A)
 * Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
 * Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (C)
 * Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (R)
 * Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena (A)
 * Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
 * Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (C)
 * Dickcissel, Spiza americana