Rare birds across America

For birdwatching enthusiasts, few experiences match the excitement of searching for the rarest and most elusive birds. The varied terrains across the United States provide a perfect setting for those eager to observe some of North America’s most endangered and elusive avian species.

Because bird populations and migration patterns are always changing, the species listed below continue to be among the most prized finds for dedicated birdwatchers.

King Eider

The King Eider is an uncommon and mesmerizing sea duck species native to the United States, mainly inhabiting northern coastal areas. Renowned for their vivid and distinctive plumage, these birds are highly prized by birdwatchers.

Typically, they reside in Arctic and subarctic coastal zones, such as northern Alaska and the northeastern U.S. coastline. Their preferred habitat consists of offshore inshore waters, where they feed on mollusks, crustaceans, and various other aquatic invertebrates.

Northern Hawk Owl

The Northern Hawk Owl is an uncommon and intriguing bird species in the United States, mainly residing in northern areas such as Alaska, with occasional sightings in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. These owls are notable for their unique look, blending features of both owls and hawks.

Distinct from most owls, Northern Hawk Owls are active during the day and are frequently spotted perched visibly on tree branches or utility poles, scanning their surroundings for prey such as voles and small rodents.

Sprague’s Pipit

Sprague’s Pipit is an uncommon bird species in the United States, mainly found in the central and northern parts of the country. Birdwatchers are often drawn to this pipit because of its modest appearance and strong connection to grasslands and open prairies.

The rarity of Sprague’s Pipit stems from its specific habitat needs and limited range. These birds rely heavily on native grasslands and prairies, where they forage for insects and build their nests on the ground. However, the conversion of these natural areas into farmland and urban developments has greatly reduced the availability of suitable habitats for them.

Marbled Murrelet

The Marbled Murrelet is a fascinating and mysterious seabird native to the western coast of the United States, especially the Pacific Northwest. Belonging to the auk family, these birds are recognized for their distinctive black-and-white feathers and unusual nesting habits.

What sets the Marbled Murrelet apart and makes it difficult to observe is its unique nesting behavior. Unlike most seabirds that breed in colonies on offshore islands, Marbled Murrelets nest high up in old-growth coastal forests, often far inland from the shore.

Thick-Billed Murre

The Thick-billed Murre is an uncommon and impressive seabird species primarily found in the northern parts of Alaska. Recognized for their striking black and white feathers, these birds rank among the most sturdy and powerful seabirds globally.

Their rarity is largely due to their specialized breeding habitats and the harsh environments of their nesting sites. Thick-billed Murres breed in dense colonies on steep cliffs and rocky ledges along Arctic and subarctic coastlines. These tightly packed nests on precarious cliffs often make them difficult for birdwatchers to reach.

Florida Scrub-Jay

The Florida Scrub-Jay stands out as one of the rarest and most prized birds in the United States, primarily because of its very restricted range and specialized habitat requirements. Native exclusively to Florida’s scrub ecosystem, this bird depends on the open, sandy scrublands and oak scrub environments unique to the southeastern U.S.

Its rarity is largely a consequence of extensive habitat loss and fragmentation, driven by urban sprawl and agricultural growth. As these forces have eroded the scrubland, the Florida Scrub-Jay’s numbers have dropped dramatically, making it a vulnerable species in urgent need of conservation.

Northern Spotted Owl

The Northern Spotted Owl is a prized and rare sight for birdwatchers across the western United States, particularly in the Pacific Northwest. Known for its distinctive dark eyes and mottled brown feathers, this owl is closely tied to the region’s ancient old-growth forests.

Its scarcity arises from its dependence on these mature forests, which provide essential nesting habitats and abundant prey like flying squirrels and other small mammals. The ongoing decline of old-growth forest areas has made the Northern Spotted Owl increasingly vulnerable, fueling conservation efforts to protect this elusive species.

Black-Capped Petrel

The Black-capped Petrel is a critically endangered seabird and one of the rarest species that birdwatchers can hope to see in the United States. Native to the Caribbean, it nests high in the rugged mountains of Haiti and the Dominican Republic, making sightings all the more special.

In the U.S., this elusive bird is occasionally spotted offshore in the Atlantic, especially near North Carolina, during its migration and feeding trips. For avid birders, locating the Black-capped Petrel requires heading to these precise oceanic locations at just the right time.

Bachman’s Warbler

Bachman’s Warbler ranks among the rarest and most mysterious bird species in the United States. Once thought to be extinct due to a steep population decline, there have still been sporadic, unconfirmed sightings that keep hope alive.

Because of its uncertain status, this warbler remains a key interest for both ornithologists and birdwatchers alike. Ongoing conservation efforts aim not only to protect potential habitats but also to increase the chances of rediscovering this elusive songbird in the wild.

Gunnison Sage-Grouse

The Gunnison Sage-Grouse is a distinctive and rare bird native mainly to the sagebrush landscapes of southwestern Colorado and parts of Utah. Its limited numbers are largely due to the loss and fragmentation of its habitat, as agriculture, urban sprawl, and other human impacts continue to shrink the sagebrush areas it depends on.

Birdwatchers hoping to glimpse this remarkable species often head to stronghold areas like Colorado’s Gunnison Basin. Yet, with populations dwindling and habitats under pressure, seeing a Gunnison Sage-Grouse remains a prized and uncommon experience for bird lovers in the western U.S.

Kirtland’s Warbler

The Kirtland’s Warbler is one of the rarest and most elusive birds in the United States, largely due to its highly specialized and limited breeding habitat. This small, striking songbird nests almost exclusively in young jack pine forests that are between five and twenty years old, primarily found in the northern parts of Michigan.

With such a narrow range, the Kirtland’s Warbler faces significant challenges in terms of population growth and distribution. Its dependence on a very specific ecological niche means that its breeding grounds are extremely vulnerable to natural disturbances like wildfires, making conservation efforts crucial for its survival.

California Condor

The California Condor is one of the most iconic and critically endangered bird species in the United States. As the largest land bird in North America, it boasts an impressive wingspan of up to 9.5 feet. Once found throughout North America, from Canada to Mexico, these majestic birds have seen a dramatic population decline.

By the late 20th century, habitat destruction, lead poisoning from ingesting spent ammunition, and other threats had brought the California Condor to the brink of extinction. Today, it remains a rare and awe-inspiring sight for birdwatchers, found only in specific areas where conservation efforts are underway to protect this remarkable species.

Ivory Gull

In the United States, the Ivory Gull is considered a rare visitor, typically found along Alaska’s northern coastlines during the winter months when it migrates south from its Arctic breeding grounds. Birdwatchers often venture to coastal areas in Alaska, especially the Bering Sea region, hoping for a glimpse of this elusive and pristine gull.

The rarity of the Ivory Gull is due in large part to its remote Arctic breeding habitat, which is increasingly threatened by climate change. As sea ice diminishes, the gull’s foraging opportunities are disrupted, further contributing to the species’ vulnerability.

Whooping Crane

The Whooping Crane is one of North America’s most iconic and critically endangered bird species, making it both rare and highly sought after by birdwatchers in the United States. Known for its striking white plumage, long legs, and distinctive trumpet-like calls, the Whooping Crane holds the title of the tallest bird in North America.

Once on the brink of extinction due to habitat loss and overhunting, the Whooping Crane’s population had dwindled to just a small group by the 1940s. However, thanks to intensive conservation efforts such as captive breeding and habitat restoration, their numbers have slowly increased. Despite these efforts, the species remains critically endangered.

Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken

Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken is a highly endangered and rare bird species native to the coastal prairies of Texas and Louisiana, making it a challenging and sought-after sighting for bird enthusiasts. These birds are known for their striking appearance, with males displaying vibrant orange air sacs and distinctive courtship displays during the breeding season.

Habitat loss and degradation have been the primary drivers of the severe decline in the Attwater’s Prairie-Chicken population. The conversion of their native prairie habitats into agriculture and urban development has left them with very limited suitable breeding and foraging grounds.

Aplomado Falcon

The Aplomado Falcon is a striking and rare raptor species that birdwatchers in the United States often seek to spot. Once considered extirpated in the U.S., these birds have made a limited comeback in some regions, primarily Texas and New Mexico.

What makes the Aplomado Falcon a rare bird to spot is its tumultuous history and its dependence on specific habitats. In the mid-20th century, Aplomado Falcons experienced severe population declines due to habitat loss and the use of pesticides. They were believed to be extinct in the United States for several decades.

Red-Cockaded Woodpecker

The Red-cockaded Woodpecker is a small, endangered woodpecker species found in the southeastern United States. It is known for its striking black-and-white plumage and the tiny red streak, or “cockade,” located behind the eye of males. These birds are quite rare and are a highly sought-after sighting for birdwatchers due to their limited range and specific habitat requirements.

The primary reason for the rarity of the Red-cockaded Woodpecker is habitat loss. These birds are specialized cavity-nesters, and they rely on mature, living pine trees with heartwood infected by a fungus.

Piping Plover

The Piping Plover is a small, migratory shorebird that is both rare and highly sought after by birdwatchers along the Atlantic Coast and the Great Lakes region of the United States. Recognized for its pale plumage, distinct black markings, and endearing peeping call, the Piping Plover is emblematic of the coastal environment.

One of the main reasons for the Piping Plover’s rarity is the loss and degradation of its beachfront breeding habitat. Human development, recreational activities, and natural disturbances have significantly reduced the availability of suitable nesting sites, which consist of sandy shorelines and dunes.

Least Tern

The Least Tern is a small and graceful seabird species that is a rare but delightful find for birdwatchers in the coastal regions of the United States. These birds are recognized for their slender, agile bodies, striking black crowns, and distinctive, sharp calls.

One of the main reasons for the rarity of the Least Tern is its dependence on specific nesting habitats and its vulnerability to human disturbance. These birds nest in colonies on sandy or gravelly beaches, often in close proximity to water bodies, and they lay their eggs directly on the ground.

Mangrove Cuckoo

The Mangrove Cuckoo is a secretive and elusive bird species native to the coastal regions of the southern United States, particularly in Florida and some parts of Texas. This bird is known for its cryptic behavior and its association with mangrove swamps and coastal forests.

The rarity of the Mangrove Cuckoo can be attributed to its specialized habitat requirements and relatively limited range in the United States. It is highly dependent on coastal and mangrove ecosystems, where it feeds on insects, spiders, and small vertebrates. Human development, habitat destruction, and disturbances to these fragile coastal habitats have significantly reduced the availability of suitable foraging areas for this bird.

Short-Tailed Albatross

The Short-tailed Albatross is an incredibly rare and sought-after bird species in the United States, primarily in the North Pacific region. It is known for its striking appearance, with distinctive white plumage, dark wingtips, and a pale yellow bill.

What makes the Short-tailed Albatross so rare is its small population size and its restricted breeding habitat. These birds are known to breed primarily on islands in the western North Pacific, such as Torishima Island in Japan. Their populations were severely impacted by feather hunting in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, which pushed them to the brink of extinction.

Long-Billed Curlew

The Long-billed Curlew is a captivating and relatively rare bird species in the United States, known for its distinctive, long, curved bill and elegant appearance. Birdwatchers often seek out this species due to its unique features and habitat preferences.

These birds are typically found in grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields, where they forage for invertebrates and small vertebrates using their impressive bills. Birdwatchers often visit areas in the western United States, particularly the Great Plains region and the Intermountain West, to observe Long-billed Curlews during their breeding season.

Mountain Plover

The Mountain Plover is a rare and captivating bird species that birdwatchers often seek out in the high plains of the United States. These birds are known for their subtle yet elegant appearance, with sandy-colored plumage and a distinctive dark eye mask.

These birds typically inhabit open, arid landscapes, such as shortgrass prairies, sagebrush steppe, and agricultural fields, where they forage for insects and invertebrates. As these habitats face increasing pressures from agriculture and urban development, the availability of suitable foraging areas for Mountain Plovers has dwindled.

Red-Headed Woodpecker

The Red-headed Woodpecker is a striking and relatively rare bird species in the United States. This woodpecker is known for its vibrant plumage, with a bright red head, white body, and contrasting black wings and tail, making it an eye-catching and sought-after sight for birdwatchers.

Birdwatchers often visit specific locations in the United States, such as the Great Lakes region, the Midwest, and parts of the Southeast, where the Red-headed Woodpecker can still be found.

Eskimo Curlew

The Eskimo Curlew is one of North America’s most enigmatic and elusive bird species, often regarded as one of the rarest birds to spot in the United States. Unfortunately, due to overhunting in the 19th and early 20th centuries, the Eskimo Curlew suffered a catastrophic population decline.

Its numbers declined to the point where it is now considered critically endangered, if not extinct. The last confirmed sightings of Eskimo Curlews occurred in the 1960s, and there has been no conclusive evidence of their continued existence since then. Despite numerous reports of potential sightings, no one has been able to provide definitive proof that this bird still survives in the wild.

Gray-Crowned Rosy-Finch

The Gray-crowned Rosy-Finch is a beautiful and relatively rare bird species in the United States, typically found in high-altitude mountainous regions of the western states. Birdwatchers often seek out this finch due to its striking appearance and preference for remote, alpine habitats.

These finches are often associated with alpine tundra and rocky slopes, where they forage for seeds and insects. The harsh environmental conditions and the remoteness of their habitats make it challenging for bird enthusiasts to spot them.

Rufous-Crowned Sparrow

The Rufous-crowned Sparrow is a captivating but relatively rare bird species in the United States, primarily found in the southwestern and western regions. Birdwatchers are drawn to this sparrow due to its distinctive plumage and its association with arid and semi-arid habitats.

These sparrows are typically found in open scrublands, deserts, and rocky canyons, where they forage for seeds, insects, and plant material. The arid nature of their preferred habitats and the limited distribution in the western states make it a bit challenging for bird enthusiasts to spot them.

Swallow-Tailed Kite

The Swallow-tailed Kite is a rare and enchanting bird species in the United States, primarily found in the southeastern and southern regions, particularly in Florida and along the Gulf Coast. Birdwatchers are drawn to this kite for its graceful appearance and impressive aerial acrobatics.

These kites are often associated with mature bottomland hardwood forests, cypress swamps, and open wetland areas, where they forage insects, reptiles, and small vertebrates. Habitat loss and degradation due to urban development, land conversion, and wetland draining have reduced the availability of suitable habitats for these birds.

Zone-Tailed Hawk

The Zone-tailed Hawk is a striking and relatively rare bird of prey species found in the United States, particularly in the southwestern regions. Birdwatchers are drawn to this hawk for its distinctive plumage and its resemblance to the more common Turkey Vulture, a characteristic that adds an element of surprise to their sightings.

Birdwatchers often visit the southwestern United States, including states like Arizona, New Mexico, and parts of Texas, to observe the Zone-tailed Hawk during its breeding season.

Hawaiian Crow

The Hawaiian Crow, or ‘Alalā, is an extremely rare and critically endangered bird species endemic to the Hawaiian Islands. It is a member of the corvid family, which includes ravens and crows. The rarity of the Hawaiian Crow is due to a combination of factors, including habitat loss, predation, and disease.

Historically, ‘Alalā were found on several Hawaiian islands, but their populations have dramatically declined over the years. Habitat destruction, particularly the conversion of native forests to agriculture and urban development, has significantly reduced their available habitat.

Black-Capped Vireo

The Black-capped Vireo is a rare and captivating bird species found in the United States, primarily in the southwestern and south-central regions. Birdwatchers are drawn to this species for its distinctive appearance and its association with shrubby, brushy habitats.

These vireos prefer open woodlands, shrublands, and grasslands, where they forage for insects and construct their nests in low, shrubby vegetation. Birdwatchers often visit specific regions in the southwestern and south-central United States, such as parts of Texas and Oklahoma, to observe these captivating vireos during their breeding season.

Gyrfalcon

The Gyrfalcon is a majestic and relatively rare bird of prey species found in the United States, particularly in northern regions, including Alaska. Birdwatchers are often captivated by the Gyrfalcon for its powerful and striking appearance.

These falcons are associated with remote and Arctic environments, including tundra, rocky cliffs, and open landscapes. Habitat loss and the impact of human activities in their Arctic breeding grounds can reduce the availability of suitable habitats for these birds.

Flammulated Owl

The Flammulated Owl is a small and rare owl species found in the United States, primarily in the western regions. Birdwatchers often seek out this owl for its unique appearance and enigmatic nature.

The rarity of the Flammulated Owl can be attributed to its specific habitat preferences and the challenges associated with spotting these nocturnal birds. They are often found in coniferous and mixed woodlands, typically at higher elevations. Their small size, cryptic plumage, and nocturnal habits make them difficult to observe.

Black-Capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small but charismatic bird species found in the United States and Canada. Birdwatchers are often delighted by this chickadee for its friendly nature, distinctive vocalizations, and charming appearance.

What sets the Black-capped Chickadee apart is its widespread distribution across North America, with its range extending from Alaska to the northeastern United States and across Canada. These chickadees are typically found in a variety of wooded habitats, including forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. While these aren’t the rarest of birds, it is still a great day when birdwatchers are able to listen to their cheerful “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” calls.

Tufted Puffin

The Tufted Puffin is a distinctive and relatively rare seabird species in the United States, primarily found in the northern regions of the Pacific Coast, including Alaska and the coast of Washington. Birdwatchers are often drawn to this puffin for its unique appearance and its association with coastal cliffs and offshore islands.

Birdwatchers often visit specific northern coastal regions, such as Alaska’s Aleutian Islands and the coast of Washington, to observe Tufted Puffins during their breeding season. Their rarity, striking appearance, and the dramatic coastal landscapes in which they are found make spotting a Tufted Puffin a rewarding and memorable experience for bird enthusiasts.

Black-Footed Albatross

The Black-footed Albatross is a rare and fascinating seabird species found in the United States, primarily in the northern Pacific Ocean. Birdwatchers are often captivated by these albatrosses for their graceful flight and distinctive appearance.

The rarity of the Black-footed Albatross can be attributed to its highly specialized marine habitat requirements and distribution. Conservation efforts are focused on preserving and protecting their marine nesting sites, monitoring their populations, and mitigating threats like bycatch in commercial fishing operations.

Northern Harrier

The Northern Harrier is a captivating bird of prey found in the United States, often appreciated by birdwatchers for its distinctive appearance and unique hunting behavior. These harriers are known for their low, gliding flight over open fields and marshes, which makes them a unique and sought-after sight.

These birds are often found in grasslands, wetlands, and agricultural fields, where they hunt for small mammals and birds. Changes in land use, including the conversion of grasslands into urban or agricultural areas, have reduced the availability of suitable habitats for Northern Harriers.

Swainson’s Hawk

Swainson’s Hawk is a remarkable and relatively rare bird of prey species found in the United States. Birdwatchers often appreciate this hawk for its distinctive plumage and its association with wide-open landscapes.

Conservation efforts aim to protect and restore the vital grassland habitats they depend on and ensure the safety of these long-distance migrations. Birdwatchers often visit specific regions in the United States, such as the Great Plains, the Intermountain West, and parts of the southwestern states, to observe Swainson’s Hawks during their breeding season.

Scott’s Oriole

Scott’s Oriole is a stunning and relatively uncommon bird species located in the southwestern United States. Bird enthusiasts are attracted to this oriole due to its vibrant plumage and its affinity for arid and semi-arid environments.

Birdwatchers frequently visit specified regions in the southwestern United States, such as parts of Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California, to observe these captivating orioles during their breeding season. Their rarity, remarkable appearance, and the allure of the arid landscapes where they dwell make encountering a Scott’s Oriole a fulfilling and treasured experience for bird aficionados in these areas.

Gray Kingbird

The Gray Kingbird is a highly sought-after bird species found in the United States, primarily in the southern regions, particularly Florida and the Florida Keys. Birdwatchers are often drawn to this kingbird for its distinctive appearance and its association with coastal habitats.

Habitat loss and degradation, as well as the impact of storms on their breeding and foraging areas, can reduce the availability of suitable habitats for these birds. Conservation efforts aim to preserve and restore the vital coastal habitats that Gray Kingbirds depend on, particularly in Florida.