Overview
Washington spans Pacific coast, Puget Sound, Cascade forests, and dry eastern shrub-steppe, so its birdlife is exceptionally varied. Waterbirds, forest songbirds, and raptors are all easy to find.
This guide covers common and iconic Washington birds — the field marks that identify them, their habitats, and where to look. Pair it with a photo and the app to confirm any bird you spot.
Key Species to Know
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Washington's state bird — the breeding male is bright yellow with black wings and cap, duller olive in winter. Bounds through the air with a canary-like flight call.
Steller's Jay
Cyanocitta stelleri
A charcoal-and-deep-blue crested jay of conifer forests, bold around campsites and picnic areas. Loud, curious, and a skilled mimic.
Spotted Towhee
Pipilo maculatus
A striking sparrow-relative with a black hood, rufous sides, white belly, and white-spotted wings, scratching noisily in leaf litter with a red eye.
Anna's Hummingbird
Calypte anna
A stocky hummingbird; the male flashes a rose-pink head and throat. Common year-round west of the Cascades, even in winter.
Great Blue Heron
Ardea herodias
A tall, blue-gray wading bird that stands motionless in the shallows before spearing fish. The largest heron in North America.
Bald Eagle
Haliaeetus leucocephalus
A huge raptor; the adult has a white head and tail against a dark body. Common along Puget Sound and salmon rivers, often perched in tall snags.
Seasonal Guide
- Winter concentrates bald eagles and waterfowl along rivers and the sound.
- Early morning is the most active time for feeding and song.
- Spring migration brings warblers and swallows through lowland forests and wetlands.
Safety Reminder
Observe birds without disturbing them, and never approach nests. Identification results are reference information for learning and enjoyment.
Identify it instantly
Found something and not sure what it is? Point your camera with Spotter and get a species identification in seconds — with detailed reference info and species notes.