America's Best Birdwatching States According to Data

Just like people, birds seek out the best destinations—some for relaxation, others for adventure, and almost all for a seasonal getaway. We found data that shows that more than 96 million people in the U.S. like knowing where birds are at and what they do, or they enjoy just watching them while hiking, camping, or trekking across the backcountry. 

A 2022 report from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service reveals that 95% of birders (91 million people) prefer the comfort of home birdwatching, while 44% (43 million people) set out on impromptu birding adventures.

With over 66 endemic bird species and millions of migratory birds frequent-flying through the U.S. each year, understanding their favorite destinations helps state concierges (bird conservationists) prioritize preservation efforts and gives birders the best chance of spotting a rare Setophaga kirtlandii.

And that raises a question—if birds had travel itineraries, where would they go? Are they drawn to tropical beach retreats, or do they prefer crisp mountain air?

To help answer that question, we analyzed data on bird presence, species diversity, and birding locations, and made a list of the best states for birdwatching in the U.S.

Key Findings

• Texas is the best state for birdwatching, followed by California, and Florida.
• Texas also takes the top spot when it comes to overall bird presence—including the total number of migratory birds and the abundance of common, rare, and endangered species—followed by California and Hawaii.
• California has the highest recorded species diversity (706 species), followed by Texas (668 species) and Arizona (576 species).
• Hawaii (54), California (53), and Alaska (41) are home of the most globally threatened bird species. 
• North Dakota has the most outdoor spaces for birdwatching, totaling 91, including national parks, and wildlife refuges. California follows with 68, and Florida with 46 spaces.

The Best States for Birdwatching

To help birding enthusiasts find the best locations for their next adventure, we’ve compiled a list of the top 5 states that offer the best birdwatching opportunities based on thorough data analysis. These rankings take into account migration patterns, the number of protected areas, and the presence of common, rare or endangered species to provide a comprehensive guide for birders.

1. Texas

Texas is the go-to birdwatching destination in the U.S., with over 2.3 billion birds recorded in fall and spring migrations. With 668 bird species, including 35 globally threatened ones, the state offers unparalleled biodiversity. Texas is home to 20 national wildlife refuges, 16 of which are widely recognized for their excellent birdwatching opportunities. Among the most endangered birds in the state is the Whooping Crane (Grus americana), which relies on Texas' protected wetlands for survival. 

2. California

California is the second-best birdwatching state, with the highest species diversity in the U.S. (706 recorded species). The state's varied geography, ranging from coastal regions to mountain ranges, provides an ideal habitat for numerous birds. It is home to 43 national wildlife refuges and 16 well-known birding parks, making it a haven for bird enthusiasts. Among its notable endemic species are the Island Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma insularis), found only on Santa Cruz Island, and the vulnerable Yellow-billed Magpie (Pica nuttalli), which inhabits the Central Valley and adjacent areas.

3. Florida

Florida, the third best-state for birdwatching, is a vital stopover for migrating birds, with over 600 million birds recorded in fall migration alone. The state is home to 30 wildlife refuges and 11 key birding areas, making it a prime destination for birdwatchers. Florida's diverse ecosystems, including coastal estuaries, marshes, and swamps, create the perfect environment for wading birds and shorebirds. Among its unique avian residents is the Florida Scrub-Jay (Aphelocoma coerulescens), the only bird species endemic to the state and classified as vulnerable due to habitat loss. 

4. Minnesota

Ranking fourth on the list, Minnesota is a key migration corridor, with an estimated 760 million birds passing through during peak migration seasons. The state’s mix of forests, wetlands, and prairies provides crucial habitat for a variety of bird species. Minnesota is home to 21 national wildlife refuges and it also supports conservation efforts for the federally endangered Kirtland’s Warbler (Setophaga kirtlandii), which has been sighted in managed pine forests.

5. Virginia

Virginia tops the list, offering a unique blend of coastal and inland birding opportunities, with a diverse range of habitats that attract over 500 species. It is home to 16 national wildlife refuges, 5 of which are known for birding. The state plays an essential role in migration along the Atlantic Flyway, supporting large populations of shorebirds, raptors, and songbirds. Conservation efforts in Virginia also focus on protecting the vulnerable Red-cockaded Woodpecker (Leuconotopicus borealis), which relies on the state’s old-growth pine forests for nesting.

States with the Most Bird Presence & Diversity

Based on species diversity records, and spring and fall migration data, these are the states with the highest level of bird traffic. 

• Texas leads with over 1.03 billion birds recorded in fall migration and 1.3 billion during spring migrations, boasting 668 species and 35 globally threatened species, including the endangered Whooping Crane.
• California follows with 117 million birds recorded in fall migration and 215 in spring migration, the highest species diversity at 706, including 53 globally threatened species and 2 endemic species, such as the Island Scrub-Jay and Yellow-billed Magpie.
• Hawaii, despite its isolation and different migration patterns that prevent the counting of a total number of birds per year, supports 356 bird species, with 61 endemic species, the highest among all states, but also has 54 globally threatened species due to habitat loss.
• Missouri records over 1.04 billion birds in fall migration and 753 million during spring migration, hosting 439 species with 23 globally threatened species, making it a crucial stopover in the Mississippi Flyway.
• Georgia rounds out the list with 1.07 billion birds recorded in fall migration and 348 million during spring migration, with 454 species, and 25 globally threatened species, including high populations of warblers and wading birds, making it a significant region for avian conservation.

States with the Most Birding Location Opportunities

When looking just into the number of wildlife refuges and national parks known for birding these states proved to be the best environments where birds thrive, making them prime destinations for birders.

• California ranks first with 43 wildlife refuges, 9 of which are known for birding, and 16 national parks recognized for their birdwatching opportunities.
• Texas follows closely with 20 wildlife refuges, 16 of which are known for birding, and 9 national parks offering prime birdwatching locations.
• North Dakota secures third place with 74 wildlife refuges, 16 of which are known for birding, and 1 national park, including several crucial stopover points for migratory birds.
• Minnesota ranks fourth with 21 wildlife refuges, 19 designated for birding, and 3 national parks known for birdwatching.
• Arizona rounds out the top five with 9 wildlife refuges, 8 of which are known for birding, and 13 national parks that support a wide range of bird species.

How to Plan for Birdwatching?

Thinking about going on a birding trip? Birdwatching is all about knowing where and when to go, and how to blend into the avian world like you belong there. From choosing the right spot to tracking real-time migration patterns, let’s break down how to plan your birding adventure like a pro.

• Choose Your Destination – Identify the best birdwatching locations based on migration patterns and species diversity. Resources like eBird provide real-time bird sightings and hotspot maps to help you find the best locations.
• Use Birding Apps and Websites – Utilize apps like Merlin Bird ID for identifying species in the field and Audubon Bird Guide for in-depth bird profiles. These tools help with species recognition, bird calls, and regional checklists.
• Check Seasonal Migration Data – Bird migration is highly seasonal, and knowing when certain species will be in your area can enhance your experience. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s BirdCast provides live migration forecasts, helping you plan accordingly.
• Pack the Essentials – Bring a good pair of binoculars, a field notebook, and a camera to document your sightings. Dress appropriately for the weather and environment, and consider carrying a field guide for additional reference.
• Join a Birding Community – Connecting with local birding groups can provide insights into the best local spots and recent sightings. Websites like Birding Pal can help you find experienced birders to accompany you on trips.
• Respect Nature and Follow Ethical Birding Practices – Stick to designated trails, maintain a safe distance from birds, and avoid disturbing nesting areas. The American Birding Association’s Code of Ethics offers guidelines to ensure responsible birdwatching.
• Learn from the Pros – To help you get into birding, Megan McKay explains the best places to go birdwatching in the southwest.

Conclusion

Just like any other traveler, birds too have their favorite destinations—places rich in resources, safety, and ideal climates that keep them coming back year after year. For those who track their journeys, every migration season is an opportunity to witness their travels and help protect the habitats they rely on.

The data shows that the top birdwatching states have already made sure these winged travelers always have a place to land. So, as birds continue racking up their frequent-flyer miles, the question remains: Where will you be waiting for them at the "Arrivals" terminal, binoculars at the ready?

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Methodology

In order to determine the best states for birdwatching, we compared the 50 states across two categories: 1) Bird Presence & Diversity and 2) Birding Location Opportunities.

We evaluated these categories using 8 relevant metrics, which are listed below in their designated category, with their corresponding weights and data sources. Each category was graded on a 100-point scale, and each metric inside a category has been given a weight out of 100-points inside its category, too.

Finally, we determined each state’s weighted average across all metrics to calculate its overall score and used the resulting scores to rank-order the states.

Bird Presence & Diversity — Total Weight: 70 Points

Total Bird Count for Fall & Spring Migration (each weighting ~20 points) — The total number of birds that crossed each state during the 2024 fall and spring migration seasons, as recorded by BirdCast, a scientific tool developed by researchers from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, Colorado State University, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.

Total Species Count, Endemic Species Count, Globally Threatened Species Count (each weighing ~20 points) — The total number of bird species, including endemic and globally threatened species, was sourced from Avibase, an extensive global bird database. The data follows the taxonomy standards set by The American Ornithological Society (AOS).

Birding Location Opportunities — Total Weight: 30 Points

Total Wildlife Refuges & Wildlife Refuges Popular for Birding (weighting ~10 and ~ 40 points) — The total number of wildlife refuges, including those popular for birding, was obtained from the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service. To identify the birding-specific refuges, we filtered the data to include only those known for birding activities.

National Parks Popular for Birding (~40 points) — The number of national parks known for birding was sourced from the National Park Service website. This includes parks that feature at least one webpage dedicated to birds within the park.

Check out the full data in the table below:

	Rankings			Bird Presence & Diversity Category					Birding Locations Category			Scores
State	Overall Birdwatching Rank	Bird Presence & Diversity Category Rank	Birding Locations Category Rank	Total Bird Count Fall Migration	Total Bird Count Spring Migration	Total Species Count	Endemic Species Count	Globally Threatened Species Count	Total Wildlife Refuges	Wildlife Refuges Popular for Birding	National Parks Popular for Birding	Overall Birdwatching Score	Bird Presence & Diversity Category Score	Birding Locations Category Score
Texas	1	1	2	1,026,706,400	1,324,565,200	668	0	35	20	16	9	65.0	66.7	61.2
California	2	2	1	117,959,600	215,292,600	706	2	53	43	9	16	53.0	45.6	70.3
Florida	3	6	8	629,448,000	201,016,700	564	1	32	30	11	5	37.6	35.1	43.4
Minnesota	4	16	4	760,565,900	470,250,900	456	0	21	21	19	3	36.2	29.1	52.8
Virginia	5	15	6	594,967,500	259,772,100	503	0	28	16	5	14	35.4	29.3	49.4
Missouri	6	4	21	1,043,654,900	753,052,000	439	0	23	10	8	2	34.4	38.8	24.1
Illinois	7	7	16	962,162,100	612,017,300	464	0	20	12	12	1	33.6	34.9	30.5
North Carolina	8	13	13	694,561,200	189,294,100	503	0	30	12	11	3	31.9	31.2	33.4
Alaska	9	25	7	0	0	553	1	41	16	8	11	31.7	24.6	48.2
Mississippi	10	12	14	908,209,300	499,271,200	441	0	21	16	11	2	31.6	31.5	32.0
Arizona	11	26	5	168,144,100	138,411,200	576	0	27	9	8	13	31.6	23.2	51.3
Oregon	12	17	11	106,300,000	126,761,500	560	0	40	21	13	2	30.9	28.0	37.6
Hawaii	13	3	41	0	0	356	61	54	17	1	1	30.6	40.0	8.8
Tennessee	14	14	17	908,492,800	436,674,100	443	0	22	8	7	5	30.5	31.2	28.9
Oklahoma	15	10	21	610,097,200	641,296,400	496	0	24	10	8	2	30.2	32.8	24.1
North Dakota	16	36	3	395,322,400	353,557,500	423	0	21	74	16	1	29.9	18.7	56.2
Washington	17	23	9	171,815,500	145,161,200	535	0	35	23	9	6	29.7	25.3	39.8
Iowa	18	9	29	971,420,000	640,448,700	434	0	21	7	7	1	29.7	34.4	18.6
New Mexico	19	24	10	279,440,500	145,267,800	564	0	28	9	8	8	29.3	25.2	38.8
Wisconsin	20	18	18	782,168,200	423,492,200	436	0	21	12	10	2	28.0	27.7	28.8
Alabama	21	8	35	1,061,435,100	308,786,400	469	0	24	11	3	1	27.7	34.7	11.3
Georgia	22	5	39	1,074,255,300	348,307,700	454	0	25	10	1	2	27.4	35.2	9.3
New York	23	22	15	405,980,300	209,837,600	521	0	27	14	7	5	27.1	25.6	30.6
Arkansas	24	11	33	725,987,200	769,587,700	426	0	22	10	1	3	25.8	31.8	11.8
Nebraska	25	19	27	520,340,800	467,991,000	473	0	24	9	4	4	25.2	27.2	20.4
Colorado	26	31	12	177,094,200	110,927,400	523	0	28	11	5	9	25.0	20.5	35.5
South Carolina	27	21	32	632,099,700	221,513,700	458	0	28	8	4	1	22.6	26.9	12.6
Louisiana	28	20	38	499,300,000	427,730,100	496	0	23	22	2	0	21.8	27.0	9.8
South Dakota	29	34	20	384,504,900	399,118,700	440	0	19	10	6	4	20.8	19.1	24.9
Massachusetts	30	33	26	83,426,800	50,106,900	521	0	32	12	4	4	20.3	19.8	21.2
Michigan	31	39	19	312,767,300	162,356,400	468	0	20	9	8	3	19.3	16.3	26.3
Kansas	32	28	34	636,490,700	558, 954,600	484	0	22	4	4	1	18.7	21.9	11.5
Maryland	33	38	24	263,321,600	144,966,800	469	0	24	6	4	5	18.7	17.3	22.0
Kentucky	34	27	37	702,865,600	353,098,000	408	0	19	3	1	3	18.7	22.5	9.9
Indiana	35	29	40	545,609,400	299,196,900	433	0	21	3	3	1	17.6	21.2	9.1
Pennsylvania	36	30	36	444,954,600	254,440,500	465	0	21	4	1	3	17.4	20.5	10.2
Ohio	37	32	44	377,152,800	254,740,400	454	0	24	3	2	1	16.3	20.3	7.0
New Jersey	38	35	42	199,869,700	70,347,100	508	0	27	5	2	1	15.5	18.9	7.5
Idaho	39	45	23	153,515,600	48,575,400	444	1	22	7	6	4	15.4	11.7	24.0
Nevada	40	40	31	45,098,700	41,637,400	508	0	24	9	5	2	15.0	13.9	17.5
Utah	41	44	25	47,975,500	19,929,200	474	0	24	3	2	7	14.8	11.7	22.0
Montana	42	43	28	142,707,000	90,122,300	452	0	22	24	3	3	14.5	12.2	19.9
Wyoming	43	42	30	156,966,000	61,267,500	456	0	22	7	2	5	14.0	12.3	18.1
Maine	44	37	46	189,000,300	124,839,300	482	0	27	11	1	0	14.0	18.0	4.6
West Virginia	45	41	43	460,266,300	213,273,100	374	0	17	2	0	3	11.2	12.8	7.5
Connecticut	46	46	47	82,426,200	29,658,300	453	0	24	3	0	1	8.7	11.3	2.8
New Hampshire	47	47	45	106,005,900	76,124,400	432	0	22	5	1	1	8.7	10.2	5.4
Rhode Island	48	49	49	23,706,900	14,980,000	451	0	23	5	0	0	6.8	9.3	0.8
Delaware	49	48	50	101,308,300	45,921,900	439	0	21	2	0	0	6.6	9.5	0.0
Vermont	50	50	48	116,341,500	77,369,000	395	0	18	2	0	1	5.0	6.1	2.5

Research done by Andreea Racu.

Data analyzed by Oded Gross

Featured image by Bonnie Kittle.

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