Birdwatching Spots and State Birds in All 50 States with Free Printables

There’s nothing quite like the thrill of spotting a flash of color in the treetops or hearing the call of a rare songbird. Whether you’re a seasoned birder or just starting, the United States is filled with incredible birdwatching destinations from coast to coast. Here, we’ll guide you through the very best birdwatching spots in all 50 states, each offering unique habitats and the chance to see both local favorites and rare migratory visitors.

Plus, we’ve included free printable checklists and guides to help you plan your next birding adventure and keep track of your sightings. Grab your binoculars, download your printables, and let’s explore the best places for birdwatching across America!

Birdwatching Spots in All 50 States

Explore birdwatching with kids, also perfect for an avid birdwatcher! Download fun, free, educational printables featuring state birds to inspire learning and outdoor adventures for all ages.

Birdwatching Spots and State Birds in All 50 States with Free Printables

All 50 states have their own state birds to discover and learn about. There are lots of places to go bird watching all over the United States, too. You can take advantage of this fun and educational activity with your kids at home this year.

My children have always enjoyed watching birds they spot in the yard and learning about them. Blue Jays and Cardinals have become a clear favorite at our house. Did you know cardinals are the state bird of North Carolina and 6 other states, too?

Keep reading to discover the best states for birding, learn more about state birds, and get birdwatching free printables to help you see them all.

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State Birds

Why Do We Have State Birds?

Did you know all 50 states have their own bird mascot? It’s true! States typically choose a bird that’s common or unique in their region to represent them.

Choosing mascots like birds, flowers, and flags dates back to ancient times. Some states have really amazing stories behind their choice. For example, Utah chose the California Gull as its state bird after the gulls saved the state’s crops from an insect plague by eating all the bugs.

In Texas, the state bird was adopted based on its loyalty. The Northern Mockingbird, state bird of Texas, demonstrated its loyalty by not migrating to a cooler climate.

Instead, the Mockingbird remains in Texas even during the sweltering summers. This dedication earned the Northern Mockingbird the title of State Bird of Texas.

Do you know the state birds? You can learn about them all with my free printables. Plus, you’ll get tips on the best places in each state to spot them.

Birdwatching

Learn About State Birds

There are lots of fun ways to learn about all 50 state birds with your family this year. You can explore some colorful books filled with information and check off all the birds you spot using the free printables I’ve shared below. Then, watch some cute videos to learn more about state birds and the places they call home.

Here are some of our favorite resources for learning all about our state birds:

United Tweets of America: 50 State Birds, Their Stories, Their Glories by Hudson Talbott is a colorful book featuring the stories of state birds. In this book, your kids can explore all the states in our union while learning about our feathered friends as they compete in the state birds pageant. It’s the perfect book to pack for any birding adventure this year.

The 50 Birds, 50 States Video Playlist from National Geographic Kids is a big favorite at my house, too. You’ll discover songs in every genre sung by colorful cartoon character versions of state birds. From country songs to hip hop, you’ll learn fun facts about the states and US Geography while getting to know the state birds too.

Thinking Tree has another great resource you can use to learn all about birds with your students this year. If you’re interested in exploring nature study while learning about birds this year, try the Book of State Birds Nature Study Handbook. This nature journal will help older elementary learners practice observation, note taking, and research with fun activities.

I’ve shared numerous printables with activities and lesson plans that you can use to learn more about birds at home and in the classroom this year. Check out two of my favorite preschool and kindergarten activity bundles all about birds, including Montessori Winter Bird Activities and Kindergarten and Preschool Bird Theme Unit Study.

You can use these printable lesson plans and unit studies to teach important early learning concepts like literacy, numeracy, and fine motor skills. Plus, you’ll love the child-led Montessori approach to these activities and printable lessons, too.

Which State Has the Most Birds?

There are so many amazing places to spot birds across the United States! A few places stand out across the United States. Some locations are known for the abundance of birds, while others have lots of diversity. You can have a once-in-a-lifetime bird watching experience by visiting these top birding locations.

With 530 different bird species, Alaska holds the title of the state with the most bird species in the United States. That’s a lot of birds! Beginning in late May, people travel to Alaska to see all the different birds migrating to the town of Nome. Hundreds of bird species migrate to Nome, including Arctic terns, red-necked grebe, and red-throated loons.

At Acadia National Park in Maine, you can spot a wide range of birds thanks to the variety of habitats in this national park including forests, bogs, and mountain peaks. Acadia is a great spot to go birding at any time. You’ll spot bald eagles, gray jays, and (seasonally) Atlantic Puffins.

The Acadia Birding Festival, held in late May and early June on Mount Desert Island, is the perfect opportunity to mingle with fellow birders while exploring the area.

Best States for Birding

As you can see, there are lots of great states for birding! So, which states are the best for birding? It depends on what kinds of birds you want to spot.

The experts agree that the Gulf Coast in Texas, California, and Arizona are excellent spots for birdwatching. Each of these three locations is home to 250 different species of birds. If you’re planning a birdwatching adventure for your family, these places could be at the top of your bucket list.

Honestly, I don’t live anywhere near California, and we love birdwatching and see lots of different birds regularly. Don’t feel like you have to be in a specific state to enjoy these printables or birdwatching.

Birdwatching Activities

I’ve put together these free printables with 50 state birds to help you keep track of all the amazing feathered friends you can spot from Alaska to Florida and everywhere in between.

Don’t miss this awesome opportunity to check out all the birds in the United States with your family. It’s a learning adventure you’ll remember for a lifetime!

How long has your family been interested in bird watching? Are you new to birding?

Please share your experiences and pro tips in the comments for the benefit of everyone. I can’t wait to read them and take advantage of your wisdom with my family, too!