Nebraska Ornithologists' Union

Birding in Nebraska

There are so many wonderful birds and bird habitats in Nebraska that a single lifetime isn't nearly long enough to enjoy them all. Nebraska’s Platte Valley annually hosts the world's largest crane concentration, and also is the most frequent stopover-point for migrating Whooping Cranes. Our Sandhills region of grassy dunes and wetlands hosts many endemic prairie birds, including both Greater Prairie-Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse. Our western Pine Ridge country is a miniature Rocky Mountain ecosystem, with many western songbirds and raptors. The Missouri Valley forests ring each spring and summer with the voices of eastern warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers. Like two clear blue ribbons, the Niobrara and Platte rivers connect both ends of the state and provide the meeting grounds for several species of eastern and western birds. What more could a bird-lover want in a state?

Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard, Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Birds of Nebraska

There is a reason the Peterson guides used the 100th meridian, which dissects Nebraska, as the change from eastern to western species.

Birding Activities

Nebraska has an active birding community involved in regular activities like seasonal surveys as well as regional festivals.

NEBirds Discussion Group

Join our mail group to discuss recent sightings, identification questions, and other topics of general interest to Nebraska birders.

Why Bird Nebraska?

Don't miss the outstanding slideshow of breeding birds!

Sharp-tailed Grouse The iconic dancer of the prairies, this species is sought by birders around the country.

Sandhill Crane Nebraska’s greatest spectacle – the annual spring crane migration along the Platte River.

Burrowing Owl Cuteness abounds when these owls inhabit prairie dog towns in the sandhills and western prairies.

Franklin’s Gull A small prairie gull, thousands migrate through the Central Flyway on their way to and from the potholes to the north.

Black-necked Stilt A bird that has been expanding eastward, it is still more likely to be found in the west.

American Avocet A large and colorful shorebird, most breeding birds are found in the western wetlands.

Nebraska Links

Birding Organizations

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NOU: Dedicated to the Study, Appreciation and Protection of Birds

Birds of Nebraska

Birding Activities

NEBirds Discussion Group