The Ultimate List of Florida Birds

Do you have a bird lover in your family? If so, you may be looking for a list of Florida birds to do a little bird watching on your Florida vacation.

Florida is home to a variety of wildlife, and you’ll find all types of birds, small birds, big birds, water birds, and more. Florida is home to all species of birds, and we’ll talk about many native Florida birds today. Check off the birds on the following list as you spot them during your time in Florida.

Before we get to the list of Florida birds, let’s talk about how you will get around the state looking for these birds. Unless you drive yourself, you’ll need a rental car! If you decide to rent a car during your Florida vacation, I recommend renting a car from Discount USA Car Rental.

Discount USA Car Rental offers the lowest rates through all the major companies, and you don’t pay anything you pick up your car.

The ultimate list of Florida birds

Here is a list of Florida birds, listed in no particular order.

We enjoyed getting to know the birds at Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, one of the free things to do in Tampa with kids (but please donate, as they run off donations!)

Now, on to the list of Florida birds.

Northern Cardinal

Northern cardinals are the most prominent of South Florida’s songbirds. This bird is very easy to identify, even to the newest bird enthusiast. Florida even has its own subspecies, C. cardinalis ssp. floridanu, which can be found throughout most of the state.

Fun fact: Cardinals are one of the few species of birds where the females are as vocal as the males.

Red-winged blackbirds

The call of the red-winged blackbird is very distinct. They are also easy to identify by the bright red markings on their wings. Red-winged blackbirds are one of the most common birds in North America and one of the most common birds in the state of Florida.

Fun fact: Most of the red-winged blackbirds’ diet consists of seeds, but they also eat insects such as spiders, millipedes, and beetles!

Painted Bunting

One of Florida’s most colorful birds (and one of the most colorful on this list of Florida birds) is the painted bunting. These birds spend the winter in central Florida and southern Florida.

The females and males look quite different. Females are bright yellow-green. Males are very colorful with blue heads, green backs, red bellies, and red backsides. However, young males look very much like their mothers until they are fully grown.

These Florida birds can often be seen at bird feeders. They commonly seek those feeders out during the middle of the summer. That is when the breeding season is over.

Laughing Gull

The Laughing Gull is a very common bird in the United States and can be found on all 663 miles of Beaches in Florida. (link) The laughing gull is easily distinguishable from other gulls because it looks like it is wearing a black hood.

Here is a laughing gull at Indian Rocks Beach, one of the the 20 best beaches in Tampa.

Sanderling

I call these birds “Garrick-birds” because they run from the ocean at the very edge of the water. Garrick used to do this when he was little, and we would always laugh about how he did the exact same thing that the birds did.

These birds have black legs and a black bill. While you will often see these birds on the sandy shoreline, they won’t be there during the breeding season. At that time, they escape to the High Arctic tundra.

American robins

American robins are very common, but it can still be fun for mature bird watchers to spot them. These birds are typical “snow birds” who visit Florida during the winter months to escape the cold. They do not spend the breeding season in Florida but head to Florida to escape the cold and eat fresh fruit during the winter. I think they have the right idea.

Magnificent Frigatebird

This seabird can be found soaring anywhere on the coasts of Florida but is more common in Southwest Florida and southern Florida. On a sailing trip, you’ll be more likely to spot the magnificent frigate bird, but they can occasionally be seen from the shore. This is a beautiful bird with long black wings and a red belly.

Roseate Spoonbill

The Roseate Spoonbill looks like it came straight out of a Dr. Suess book! This marsh bird is among the most interesting and beautiful native Florida birds. It’s a real treat to be able to see one of these rare Florida birds! I had to add it to this list of Florida birds, even if it isn’t common, because it would be a real treat to see one.

Great blue heron

Florida is a great place to see a Great blue heron. They are found almost exclusively along the southern coast of Florida, in the Caribbean, and along the Yucatan Peninsula.

They flap their wings slowly, making it appear to be in slow motion as it swoops along the shoreline. These birds are known to stand as still as a statue. They do this when they are looking for prey. Its long legs allow it to take great strides. Despite its supposed slowness, this bird can move quickly to snatch up a fish or other small animal.

Ruby-throated hummingbirds

Ruby-throated hummingbirds are the most common hummingbirds found in the state of Florida. Some of these hummingbirds remain year-round in South Florida, while some call Florida their home during the winter months of October through March.

Fun fact: Some hummingbirds fly nonstop across the Gulf of Mexico during their migration.

Yellow-rumped warblers

Most birds aren’t identified by their butts, but the yellow-rumped warbler is the exception. I bet you guessed that by their name! This bird is more vibrant in the summer but still has the bright yellow patch in the winter when you’re more likely to see it in Florida. These migratory birds fly to south Florida and beyond for the winter.

Red-bellied woodpeckers

You’ll find a few types of woodpeckers on this list of Florida birds. The red-bellied woodpecker is the most common woodpecker to be found in south Florida.

Their bright red caps make them easy to spot in backyards around the state. It is easy to mistake these woodpeckers for red-headed woodpeckers. However, those woodpeckers are pretty rare. So, if you are trying to determine the species of the one you see, it is most likely the red-bellied one.

These Florida birds can be seen in backyards. Especially those yards with dead trees and wooded areas. You can try to attract these birds with sunflower seeds. If those don’t work, peanut butter suet usually does the trick.

Downy woodpecker

The downy woodpecker is the smallest woodpecker in North America. It is not as common as the red-bellied woodpecker, but you might see one if you’re lucky. The downy woodpeckers are the least red of all woodpeckers. They are black and white. You can find these small woodpeckers on tiny branches of trees.

House sparrow

The house sparrow is one of the most common backyard birds. They usually spend their time in areas where houses and buildings are present. Therefore, you will see them often in urban areas. Unfortunately, it is not unusual to miss these birds because they can usually be seen everywhere.

Fun Fact: House sparrows love to take dust baths. They throw dust and soil over their body before shaking it all off.

Blue jays

Unlike many of the migratory birds on this list of Florida birds, blue jays are year-round residents of Florida. They are easily identified thanks to their black, white, and blue wings. They are also easily identified by their sound.

Burrowing Owl

The burrowing owl is surprisingly active during the day. In central and southern Florida, the burrowing owl is well adapted to suburban living and can be found on golf courses, in residential areas, and near city parks and libraries.

These small birds have yellow eyes. They mainly hunt rodents and insects. Unfortunately, despite adapting well, the number of burrowing owls is decreasing. This is due to their habitats being altered by new construction. The Great Florida Birding Trail is one of the best places to see a burrowing owl.

We saw a lot of birds at Seaside Seabird Sanctuary, including owls. If you love birds, it’s a must-see.

Brown Pelican

The brown pelican is one of the easiest birds to identify in Florida. They have an oversized bill, as well as a dark body. If you spend a lot of time on the Gulf Coast, you will see them near boat marinas and piers. They love to sit on posts until it is time to plunge into the water to snatch up a small fish.

White Pelican

You probably won’t be surprised to find pelicans on the list of Florida birds. White pelicans may appear to be similar to brown pelicans, but they couldn’t be more different.

The white pelican is much larger, with a 9-foot wingspan. These large birds live inland and can often be seen diving into shallow waters. These birds are commonly seen in Florida during the winter months. However, a few strays can be seen at any time of year.

European Starling

The European starling is a black bird that has a short tail. Their black bodies are covered with white spots during the winter. These birds travel in large flocks. They can be pretty noisy, as they mimic the calls of other birds.

Carolina chickadees

The Carolina chickadee was first named in South Carolina. It is very similar in looks to a black-capped chickadee. This bird is small with a black cap and bib. The wings and back are gray. You can encourage these native birds to nest in your yard. Simply place a nesting box out before the breeding season begins.

American crow

American crows can be seen almost everywhere in the US. Their scientific name is Corvus brachyrhynchos. These birds are all black. So, black tips, a black cap, a black head, and a black mask. Basically, if you see an all black bird, it is most likely an American crow. Add in the cawing sound, and you will definitely know!

These birds can be seen everywhere, from the backyard and beaches to Everglades National Park in Florida. They will eat almost anything that is lying on the ground.

Florida scrub-jay

Florida scrub-jays have round heads and long tails. These are the only birds that live exclusively in the state of Florida. You can find them in low-growing scrub oak, which is always in sandy soil. They hop on the ground as they bury acorns. This is a social bird, so you won’t often see them alone. Although, this is currently an endangered bird thanks to all the new construction in the state.

Swallow-tailed kite

One of the most amazing bird species in Florida is the swallow-tailed kite. This bird has a black and white plumage that can be seen when flying around the sky. You can barely see their wings move when they are flying. This is so they can catch their prey easily. During the winter months, this bird migrates to South America.

White ibis

We continue the list of Florida birds with the beautiful white ibis. The white ibis has bright red legs and a red bill. These birds search for prey in shallow wetlands. They place their long bills in the water to probe the muddy surface underneath. Their long necks make it easy to stretch out and reach things far down in the mud.

The white ibis can usually nest in trees and shrubs along the shoreline. Unfortunately, they change their location yearly, so you will never see the same bird during your annual visits.

Common grackle

Common grackles have small vertebrates, yet it seems like these blackbirds have been stretched. They have a longer tail and bill than regular blackbirds. You can see them gathering in yards, fields, and trees. These birds are not picky when it comes to food. While they love corn, they will also eat any garbage they find.

Red-cockaded woodpeckers

Red-cockaded woodpeckers can be seen in North Florida and the rest of this southeastern state year-round. These small birds have a black and white striped back and a white cheek. The males have a red streak that is nearly invisible on their cheeks. These birds love to dig cavities in slightly rotted pine trees.

White-eyed vireos

You will quickly notice this bird with its gray head and olive-green back. Around the eye is bright yellow. It actually looks like the bird is wearing glasses. This bird spends its day foraging down close to the ground. However, its constant singing will ensure you know it is around.

Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern bluebird has a bright blue back and head. The underside is red-brown. These birds can often be seen sitting on telephone wires. So, look up near your home to spot one. They will swoop down to grab insects from the ground when they are hungry.

Carolina wren

Every wooded area seems to have Carolina wrens singing in them all summer long. This native bird normally blends into the background with its rich cinnamon plumage. However, a glimpse of the long upward tail normally gives them away. If that doesn’t, the white stripe on their eyebrow will. Keep an ear open for their signature song.

Snail kite

Florida is the only place in the United States where you might spot a snail kite. The snail kite has a very distinct look with a sharply hooked bill. They eat snails, including several species which are invasive and destructive in Florida’s wetlands.

Reddish egret

The reddish egret is one of the cousins of the heron. These large birds are a mix of steely gray and cinnamon. If you see a reddish egret with all-white plumage, you have managed to spot one of the rare ones.

These birds will race back and forth through shallow waters. Then, when they aren’t in the water, they will be above, ready to swoop in and catch a small fish.

Snowy egret

This bird has white plumage, black legs, and bright yellow feet. At one time, their curving plumes were used within the fashion industry. Thankfully, that stopped, so these birds are no longer on the endangered species list.

Cattle egret

These white birds have a yellow bill. During mating season, the cattle egret grows yellow plumes on their head and neck. The cattle egret spends most of its time in open areas like fields and not the water. So be prepared to see these birds riding on top of cattle as they pick at ticks on the cattle’s back.

Short-tailed hawk

Short-tailed hawks spend most of their time soaring high above the ground as they scan for prey. However, they will swoop down close to grab what they want when you least expect it. They commonly grab other birds right off tree branches. These birds spend the winter months in the Florida Keys.

Brown-headed nuthatch

One of the smallest birds in Florida is the brown-headed nuthatch. This blue-gray songbird can often be seen around pine tree trunks and on the branches of those same trees. These are social birds, so they are often seen and heard in groups.

Purple gallinule

One of the most colorful birds in Florida is the purple gallinule. Their color palette includes bright reds, greens, blues, indigos, violets, and yellows. This bird is often seen in marshes as it steps over water lilies and other floating vegetation. They do this so they can find frogs and other invertebrates to eat.

Eastern towhee

The Eastern towhee is a common bird in the Eastern United States, but Florida is the only location where the males have very light yellow eyes. They may eventually be split into a separate species, but they are considered Eastern towhees for now.

Wood Stork

Adult wood storks have long legs and long curvy bills. Their white feathers have a few black flight feathers mixed in. This bird can be 3 feet tall. This is the tallest of all the wetland birds in Florida. The wood stork will slowly walk through the wetlands, looking for crustaceans and small fish.

Tufted Titmouse

The tufted titmouse is another really small bird in Florida. They spend most of their time in deciduous forests, as well as in backyards. Larger seeds are no match for this bird. Instead, they use their stout bill to crack it quickly.

Royal Tern

The royal tern has a white plumage, but it also has what looks like a black stripe at the top of its head. Its tangerine-colored bill makes it easy to spot from a distance. Like when it is soaring gracefully above the water as it looks for small fish. These are social birds, so you will see them gather with other royal terns on quieter beaches.

List of Florida birds

Florida is a bird-watchers paradise with diverse habitats and abundant avian species. There’s always something new to discover, from the serene beaches to the bustling marshes. I hope this list of Florida birds helps you, whether you’re a seasoned birdwatcher or just starting out. Bring your binoculars and camera on your next trip to Florida, where the birds are sure to steal the show.

Before you head out, make sure to purchase a Birds of Florida Field Guide! This is lot of fun for kids too.

More  of the best things to do in Florida:

If you enjoyed this list of Florida birds, you might also enjoy some of our other content with things to do in Florida. If you’re an animal lover, we have blog posts about animal rescues in Florida, manatees, turtles, and more!

• The best strawberry farms in Florida
• The Ultimate List of Florida Lighthouses
• The 25 Best East Florida Beaches
• The 20 Best Shelling Beaches in Florida
• The 12 best places to see manatees in Florida
• The 10 best places to see sea turtles in Florida

About Florida Travel With Kids

Florida Travel with Kids was started by a family who loves to travel the state of Florida with kids! This site will help you explore the fun state of Florida and all of the kid-friendly activities you’ll find here.

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