State of Indiana
Indiana is a state in the Midwest and the Great Lakes Region of the United States. It borders Lake Michigan to the northwest, Michigan to the north and northeast, Ohio to the east, the Ohio River and Kentucky to the south and southeast, and the Wabash River and Illinois to the west. Nicknamed “the Hoosier State”, Indiana is the 38th-largest by area covering just over 94,000 km2 (36,000 square miles) and the 17th-most populous of the 50 states with just under 7 million inhabitants. Its capital and largest city is Indianapolis with 1.9 million residents.
Well under 10% of the state is higher than 1,000 feet, being mostly made up of two natural regions; the Central Lowlands and the Interior Low Plateaus. The till plains make up the northern and central regions of Indiana. Much of its appearance is a result of elements left behind by glaciers. Central Indiana is mainly flat with some low rolling hills (except where rivers cut deep valleys through the plain, like at the Wabash River and Sugar Creek) and soil composed of glacial sands, gravel and clay, which results in exceptional farmland. Northern Indiana is similar, except for the presence of higher and hillier terminal moraines and hundreds of kettle lakes. In northwest Indiana there are various sand ridges and dunes, some reaching nearly 200 feet in height; most of them are at Indiana Dunes National Park. These are along the Lake Michigan shoreline and also inland to the Kankakee Outwash Plain. Southern Indiana is characterised by valleys and rugged, hilly terrain, contrasting with much of the state. Here, bedrock is exposed at the surface. Because of the prevalent Indiana limestone, the area has many caves, caverns, and quarries.
Major river systems in Indiana include the Whitewater, White, Blue, Wabash, St. Joseph, and Maumee rivers. According to the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, as of 2007, there were 65 rivers, streams, and creeks of environmental interest or scenic beauty, which included only a portion of an estimated 24,000 total river miles within the state. The Wabash River, which is the longest free-flowing river east of the Mississippi River, is the official river of Indiana. At 764 kilometres (475 miles) in length, the river bisects the state from northeast to southwest, forming part of the state’s border with Illinois, before converging with the Ohio River.
Wabash River – ©Nyttend, Public Domain, via Wikimedia
There are about 900 lakes, Indiana borders Lake Michigan, one of five Great Lakes, the largest group of freshwater lakes in the world. Tippecanoe Lake, the deepest lake in the state, reaches depths at nearly 120 feet, while Lake Wawasee is the largest natural lake. At 10,750 acres Monroe Lake is the largest.
In the past, almost all of Indiana had a humid continental climate, with cold winters and hot, wet summers; only the extreme southern portion of the state lay within the humid subtropical climate, which receives more precipitation than other parts of Indiana. But now, about half the state is now classified as humid subtropical. Temperatures generally diverge from the north and south sections of the state. In midwinter, average high/low temperatures range from around −1 °C to −10 °C in the far north to 5 °C to −4 °C in the far south. rainfall totals are distributed relatively equally throughout the year. Precipitation totals range from 35 inches near Lake Michigan in northwest Indiana to 45 inches along the Ohio River in the south, while the state’s average is 40 inches. Annual snowfall in Indiana varies widely across the state, ranging from 80 inches in the northwest along Lake Michigan to 14 inches in the far south.
Birding Indiana
Indiana has a rich birding history despite being the smallest state, excepting Hawaii, west of the Appalachian Mountains. Over 415 bird species have been observed in the state and it is not unusual for birders to see more than 250 species in a year. Several birders have topped 300 or more species in a single year with 313 being the Big Year record for the state. Indiana has many birding destinations and many resources available from your keyboard.
A seemingly endless hardwood forest that stretched from Lake Michigan down to the Ohio River once carpeted Indiana. The one noticeable break in the forest was a large tallgrass prairie that existed in parts of northwestern Indiana. Of course, man has broken up most of the forest and the prairie remnants are a pittance of their former glory. But birds certainly can be found in the remaining patches. The relative flatness of northern Indiana along with many lakes and wetlands are due to the advancing and then retreating ice pack during the most recent ice age. Much of southern Indiana was untouched by glaciation and is therefore hilly and home to Indiana’s largest forests.
Northwest Indiana birding is dominated by the 41-mile Lake Michigan shoreline. It is here, given the right conditions and time of year, that you may see skuas (jaegers); rare gulls, and sea ducks. More rare birds have been seen along or near the Lake Michigan shoreline than anywhere else in the state. (Ken Brock covers the Birds of the Indiana Dunes wonderfully in his book of the same title.) Also in northwest Indiana are remnant prairie patches with efforts underway to restore additional prairie. This is the best spot in the state to see prairie species and certain birds are at their eastern-most regular breeding range. Northeast Indiana benefits from the bird-rich Pigeon River Fish and Wildlife Area and many state parks and nature preserves.
Central Indiana has been heavily developed but you can find exciting birding spots such as Shades and Turkey Run State Parks in west-central Indiana and Summit Lake State Park in east-central Indiana. Even in Indianapolis, the state capital and the largest city, Eagle Creek Park and Fort Harrison State Park are rich in birds and birders. Southwestern Indiana is coal country with several reclaimed strip mines that attract prairie and grassland species. Eagle Creek Park is likely the most-birded location in Indiana and is home to an Ornithology Centre providing education for the public and assistance to birders. Much of the south-central and southeastern part of Indiana is hill country and large forest tracts abound.
Eagle Creek Park – Public Domain via Wikimedia
Indiana has a variety of habitats and many locations to keep you busy birding, whether for a day or for several weeks. Indiana birders as well as visiting twitchers to the state are fortunate to have one of the most impressive resources in the On-line Guide to Indiana Birding. Even before the property was dedicated, the 8,000-acre Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area in Green County was producing amazing bird species and numbers. It is one of the country’s largest wetland restoration projects and is already altering migration patterns for some species such as American White Pelican and Sandhill Crane. Visit the Indiana Audubon Society website for this valuable resource to dozens of birding locations.
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Cane Ridge WMA & Gibson Lake
WebpageSatellite ViewGibson Lake/Cane Ridge IBA supports the one of only two known "interior" Least Tern nesting colonies east of the Mississippi River. The area also provides critical wetland habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, and gulls. Gibson Lake, located in the northern portion of this IBA, is a 3000-acre cooling reservoir owned and operated by Cinergy's Gibson Generating Station. Because of the introduction of warm water discharge created from coal-fired power generation, the lake stays open in the winter, offering habitat for thousands of geese and ducks when other local wetlands are frozen. Cane Ridge Wildlife Management Area (440 acres), a North American Waterfowl Management Plan project which is administered as a unit of the nearby Patoka River National Wildlife Refuge, is located directly south of Gibson Lake… -
Eagle Creek Park, Marion County
InformationSatellite ViewEagle Creek Park is the largest park in Indianapolis, and one of the largest municipal parks in the United States. It is located at 7840 W. 56th Street in Indianapolis, Indiana and covers approximately 1,400 acres (5 km²) of a reservoir and 3,900 acres (16 km²) of land. There are about 10 miles (16 km) of paths within it. Eagle Creek Park serves primarily as a nature reserve… -
Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area, Greene County
WebpageSatellite ViewAlthough the Goose Pond restoration project is young, the area has already begun to attract an impressive array of birds. Shorebirds, waterfowl, sparrows, bitterns and rails are just a few of the groups using this developing mix of grassland, marsh and open water habitats…. -
Kankakee Sands Nature Preserve and Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area, Newton County
InformationSatellite ViewKankakee Sands takes its name from its sandy soils, which support globally significant oak barrens, prairies and sedge meadows. This region offers rich habitat for birds and small animals. The Mskoda Sands preserve contains some of the best examples of black oak barrens in the Midwest. Unspoiled sand dunes and swales stretch as far as the eye can see. Willow Slough Fish and Wildlife Area is an area deticated to providing hunting and fishing opportunities while maintaining 9,956 acres (40.29 km2), 1,800 of which are open water, marshes, and flooded crop land… -
Lake Michigan Lakefront sites from Hammond to Michigan City
Satellite ViewIndiana Dunes National Lakeshore is a treasure of diverse natural resources located within an urban setting. The national lakeshore features communities that have both scientific and historic significance to the field of ecology…
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Don Gorney
Indianapolis, IN | dongorney@yahoo.com
Website
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Number of bird species: 435
(As at June 2024)State Bird:
Northern Cardinal Cardinalis cardinalis
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Indiana , based on the best information available at this time. It is based on a wide variety of sources that I collated over many years. I am pleased to offer these checklists as a service to birdwatchers. If you find any error, please do not hesitate to report them. -
Indiana Audubon
ChecklistIndiana’s Official State Bird Checklist contains over 420 species for which there is adequate evidence, either verified evidence (specimen, photograph, etc.) or convincing details, and for which origin is not questioned. At the end of the Checklist are species categorized as Origin Hypothetical. Species designated as Origin Hypothetical involve single records of that species where the correct identification has been established but for which origin is unresolved. -
Indiana Department of Natural Resources
PDF ChecklistCommon Birds of Indiana -
Wikipedia
Annotated ListThis list of birds of Indiana includes species documented in the U.S. state of Indiana and accepted by the Indiana Bird Records Committee (IBRC) of the Indiana Audubon Society. As of January 2022, there were 422 species included in the official list -
eBird
PDFChecklistThis checklist is generated with data from eBird (ebird.org), a global database of bird sightings from birders like you. If you enjoy this checklist, please consider contributing your sightings to eBird. It is 100% free to take part, and your observations will help support birders, researchers, and conservationists worldwide.
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Birds of Indiana Field Guide
| By Stan Tekiela | Adventure Publications | 2022 | Paperback | ISBN: 9781647552398 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of Indianapolis
| (A Guide to the Region) | by CE Keller & TC Keller | Indiana University Press | 1993 | Paperback | 176 pages, 96 col photos, 2 maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780253285348 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Compact Guide to Indiana Birds
| By Gregory Kennedy, Ken Brock & Krista Kagume | Lone Pine Publishing | 2007 | Paperback | 240 pages, Colour illustrations | ISBN: 9789768200273 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Indiana Birds
| (An Introduction to Familiar Species) | By James Kavanagh | Waterford Press | 2001 | Unbound | ISBN: 9781583551455 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Indiana Birds and Their Haunts
| (A Checklist and Finding Guide) | By CF Keller | Indiana University Press | 1986 | Paperback | 206 pages, Maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780253203823 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Birds of Indiana
| By Russell E Mumford & Charles E Keller | Indiana University Press | 1984 | Hardback | 400 pages, 175 colour paintings | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780253107367 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Joseph Moore Museum
WebpageBird displays
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Amos W Butler Audubon Society
WebsiteServing Central Indiana, including Indianapolis, Carmel, Fishers, Brownsburg, Noblesville, and Greenwood -
Audubon Society in Indiana
WebsiteSearch for Audubon near you -
Boone County Bluebird Society
WebsiteThe Boone County Bluebird Society meets quarterly and the public is invited to attend. Meetings are usually held the first week of March, May, August and November, subject to change. Meetings are held at the Boone REMC Community Room (1207 Indianapolis Avenue, Lebanon) and sometimes other places around the county. -
Dunes-Calumet Audubon
WebsiteThe purpose and objectives of the Dunes-Calumet Audubon Society shall be to engage in any such educational, scientific, investigative, literary, historical, philanthropic, and charitable pursuits as may be part of the stated purposes of the National Audubon Society… PO Box 447, Hammond, IN 46325-0447, 219-931-4352 - Lynda McGinnis, President -
Eagle Creek Park Foundation
WebsiteIn 1978, it became apparent that municipal funding for Eagle Creek Park would not be sufficient in order for the remarkable natural resource to meet its full potential. That’s when members of a watchdog group called the Eagle Creek Park Advisory Committee recognized the need for a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization to help raise money for unfunded park projects, and formed the Eagle Creek Park Foundation. -
Evansville Audubon Society
WebsiteThe mission of The Evansville Audubon Society is to promote the awareness, appreciation and preservation of birds and other wildlife and their habitats through education and conservation -
Friends of Goose Pond
WebsiteFriends of Goose Pond (FoGP) was established to support the goals of wildlife conservation and habitat restoration at Goose Pond Fish and Wildlife Area through environmental education, scientific research and recreational activities and programs… -
Hendricks County Bluebird Society
Facebook PageHCBS Mission Statement To protect and to promote the native Eastern Bluebird nesting sites and population in Hendricks County. -
Indiana Audubon Society
WebsiteIndiana Audubon Society’s mission is to stimulate interest in birds and their protection; to serve the needs of youth, civic, church, schools and other groups by providing information concerning birds; and to educate the public concerning the necessity for conserving and preserving Indiana’s natural heritage, its unique flora and fauna. -
Indiana Master Naturalist Association
Facebook PageThis is the official fan page for Indiana Master Naturalists. The mission of IMN is to bring together nat. resource specialists with adult learners to foster understanding of Indiana’s plants, water, soils & wildlife and to promote volunteer service. -
Indiana Young Birders Club
Facebook PageThe IYBC is a community for young birders across the State of Indiana to come together and support birding as a sport and to promote conservation initiatives that help sustain bird populations throughout the Americas. -
Knob and Valley Audubon Society
KAVAS helps promote environmental awareness and offers nature programs in communities across Southern Indiana, including Jeffersonville, New Albany, Clarksville, Charlestown and Madison. We are located in the hills and the Ohio River valley of Southern Indiana (in the vicinity of Louisville, Kentucky). -
Nature Conservancy in Indiana
WebsiteThe mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. For more than 55 years, we’ve been working in Indiana to do just that. -
Potawatomi Audubon Society
Facebook PageBirds were our beginnings, and Audubon remains dedicated to birding as the basis for our mission to conserve and restore our natural ecosystems, focusing on birds… -
Robert Cooper Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Robert Cooper Audubon Society, Inc. (RCAS), is a regional chapter of the National Audubon Society, serving approximately 500 members in east central Indiana, in Blackford, Delaware, Grant, Henry, Jay, Madison, and Randolph Counties. We meet the second Monday of every month, excluding July and August, for a program about nature, natural history, or conservation. We also organize six to ten field trips each year -
Sassafras Audubon Society
WebsiteA community of informed and engaged stewards dedicated to nurturing the knowledge, enjoyment and conservation of birds and nature. The Sassafras Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society serving the Indiana counties of Monroe, Lawrence, Owen, Greene, Morgan, Brown and Bartholomew… -
Soarin' Hawk Avian Rescue Center
WebsiteCare and Rehab -
South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society
WebsiteThe South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society, with about 1,000 members, brings bird lovers of all ages together by offering membership meetings to discuss birding issues and conservation concerns, providing field trips to local natural areas, and hosting many educational opportunities each year. The Society also owns a private bird sanctuary, which is home to many native birds and wildflowers. -
Stockbridge Audubon Society
WebsiteOur mission is identical to that of the National Audubon Society, but on a local level: to conserve and restore natural ecosystems, focusing on birds, other wildlife, and their habitats for the benefit of humanity and the earth's biological diversity. -
Sycamore Audubon Society
WebsiteOrganized in 1975, SAS is a chapter of the National Audubon Society - a world wide environmental oganization. SAS's membership consists of National Audubon Society members living in Benton, Carroll, Clinton, Tippecanoe, Warren, and White counties. Membership in the National Audubon Society and residence in one of those counties automatically involves membership in SAS. With over 500 members, the Sycamore Audubon Society is the largest environmental group in mid-north Indiana. The chapter is named for a race of the Yellow-throated Warbler which nests in sycamore trees along Indiana's waterways, and is thus called the Sycamore Warbler -
Tippecanoe Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Tippecanoe Audubon Society supports conservation and environmental education to promote appreciation, understanding, and preservation of birds, other wildlife, and diverse ecosystems for present and future generations. -
Wabash Valley Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Wabash Valley Audubon Society is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. We have monthly meetings (Sept. - May) in Terre Haute, Indiana. We sponsor field trips, speakers, school programs, conservation issues and a Christmas Bird Count
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*Indiana's Nature Preserves
WebsiteSatellite ViewIndiana's Nature Preserves are the real hidden treasures of the state. They have everything that the state parks have, and more - except people. With a few exceptions, the Nature Preserves are rarely visited; even when there are actually other people out there, you may never see them. If wildflowers or birds are in your line, this is the place to find the most unusual and interesting. The scenery can also be spectacular (for Indiana) and of interest. The Nature Preserve system is a collaboration between a number of groups and state agencies; the Nature Conservancy, ACRES, NICHES and other local or regional groups, universities, counties and the Department of Natural Resources have worked together to save the most unique and interesting pieces of Indiana… -
*List of protected areas of Indiana
InformationSatellite ViewProtected areas of Indiana include national forest lands, Army Corps of Engineers areas, state parks, state forests, state nature preserves, state wildlife management areas, and other areas. -
BS Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary
Facebook PageSatellite ViewThe Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary is owned and operated by the Indiana Audubon Society. The late Congressman Finley H. Gray and his wife Alice Green Gray gave the Society 652 acres as a living memorial to their daughter who never fully recovered from a childhood illness… -
Hayes Arboretum
WebsiteSatellite ViewThe Bird Room offers an excellent place to relax and observe our feathered friends….and a few squirrels. -
NPr Griffy Woods
InformationSatellite ViewGriffy Lake Griffy Lake - dam drain - DSCF4386.JPG The dam drain of Griffy Lake Location Bloomington, Monroe County, Indiana, United States Coordinates 39°12′00″N 86°32′00″WCoordinates: 39°12′00″N Griffy Reservoir, commonly known as Griffy Lake is a water reservoir in the city of Bloomington, Indiana. Created by a dam on Griffy Creek in the 1920s, the reservoir used to serve as the main source of drinking water for Bloomington for several decades, until that role was taken over by the larger Lake Lemon and Lake Monroe in the 1950s. A large part of the lake's forested watershed is designated as the Griffy Lake Nature Preserve. -
NPr Thornhill
WebpageSatellite ViewHuntington University operates Thornhill Nature Preserve for the educational enrichment of its own students and schoolchildren throughout the region. The 77-acre preserve contains a variety of diverse habitats, including evergreen and deciduous forest, a woodland pond, meadows, and wetlands. The diverse ecosystem supports a wide variety of wildflowers, trees, mammals, and birds. Opportunities for outdoor education abound on the network of maintained trails that provide access to much of the preserve property. The Reiff Nature Center, a teaching lab located on the preserve grounds, provides further opportunities for educational outreach and on-site research. -
NR & IBA Kankakee Sands
InformationSatellite ViewThe Efroymson Restoration at Kankakee Sands is a birder's and wildflower enthusiast's paradise. The more than 7,000 acres hosts an amazing array of birds, wildflowers, plants and animals that fills the prairie with song and sights to behold. As a restoration project, the beauty of the Sands will only get better for generations to come. -
NR Eagle Creek Park
InformationSatellite View...1,400 acres (5.7 km2) of water and 3,900 acres (16 km2) of land. There are about 10 miles (16 km) of paths within it. Eagle Creek Park serves primarily as a nature reserve.... -
NR Goose Pond Fish & Wildlife Area
InformationSatellite ViewAlthough the Goose Pond restoration project is young, the area has already begun to attract an impressive array of birds. Shorebirds, waterfowl, sparrows, bitterns and rails are just a few of the groups using this developing mix of grassland, marsh and open water habitats. Winter birds that have been recorded in the area include northern harrier, rough-legged hawk, and short-eared owl, American pipit, Lapland longspur and snow bunting have also been seen. Large flocks of sparrows seem to be especially attracted to the stands of planted prairie grasses. Clay-colored, field, vesper, Lincoln's, LeConte's, swamp, white-throated and white-crowned sparrows have all been observed from fall through winter. -
WMA & IBA Cane Ridge & Gibson Lake
InformationSatellite ViewGibson Lake/Cane Ridge IBA supports the one of only two known "interior" Least Tern nesting colonies east of the Mississippi River. The area also provides critical wetland habitat for migrating and wintering waterfowl, shorebirds, and gulls. -
WMA Willow Slough
InformationSatellite View9,956 acres (40.29 km2) of varied geography including a 1,200-acre (4.9 km2) lake attract many wildlife species like deer, wild turkey, waterfowl, hawks, owls, osprey, bald eagles, and a variety of songbirds. -
WS South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society
WebpageSatellite ViewThe South Bend-Elkhart Audubon Society (SBEAS) owns a 30+ acre wildlife sanctuary at 59395 Clover Road, just outside Mishawaka city limits. The property features forested and grassy areas, as well as ponds and streams. Trails crisscross the entire acreage.
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Indiana Audubon Forum
Discussion GroupWelcome to the Indiana Audubon Society Birding Discussion Group. This group exists to give Indiana birders a place to share ideas and opinions about news and issues of interest to overall birding community. -
Indiana Rare Bird Alert
SightingsThe report below shows observations of rare birds in Indiana. Includes both unreviewed and reviewed/approved observations. -
Indiana Rare Bird Alert
News & SightingsINDIANA RARE BIRD ALERT (IRBA) is a place for birders to post sightings of rare or hard to find bird species in Indiana in a timely, easy to follow format. Our main goal is to provide concise, up-to-date information regarding
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Indigo Birding
Tour OperatorWelcome to IndiGo Birding Nature Tours, your personalized guide service to the beautiful outdoors in south-central Indiana. My name is David Rupp, and my goal is to provide you with the exact tour experience you desire.
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2015 [05 May] - Håkan Sivencrona
PDF ReportA trip in conjunction with a business trip to see the newly arrived Warblers and migrating birds in Indiana -
2017 [05 May] - Graeme Wright - Indiana, Ohio, Michigan and Ontario
PDF ReportThis was a short trip designed to get my first experience of North America Warblers and whatever else might be around...
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Always Inn B&B
AccommodationHere you'll find a relaxed country setting -
Mulberry Inn & Gardens B&B
AccommodationExplore a legacy of old world charm and natural beauty in the heart of Rising Sun, Indiana. Mulberry Inn & Gardens Bed & Breakfast is set in a quiet, residential area featuring charming gardens with a quiet and relaxed atmosphere…
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Birds of Benton County
PDFChecklist etc. -
Cincinnati Birds
WebsiteAlthough it's not a prime destination for traveling birders, Cincinnati provides plenty of interesting birding opportunities. This web site is intended to help both local and visiting birders find birds in this area… -
Indiana Birding Trail
WebsiteFrom the shores of Lake Michigan to the banks of the Ohio River, and everything in between, Indiana’s diverse habitats have supported the documentation of over 400 bird species. Whether seeking close encounters with Ruby-throated Hummingbirds at Indiana Audubon’s Mary Gray Bird Sanctuary or observing Bald Eagles roosting on the Mississinewa, adventure awaits on the Indiana Birding Trail. -
Indiana Dunes Bird Watching
WebsiteBecause the Indiana dunes has so many diverse habitats, the opportunity to view a great variety of birds nesting here are numerous! During the spring and fall migration, the enormous size of Lake Michigan has a funneling effect on the path the birds must take. Which, again gives the birder a rare opportunity to view many species not normally seen together. With the help of local experts like Mr. Kenneth J. Brock, local photographers and the naturalists at the Indiana Dunes State park, I hope this site will someday provide an accurate impression of what the area has to offer the birder. -
Wayne County Birding
WebsiteHayes Regional Arboretum - a living museum, offering nature programs, hiking facilities, and nature center. Of special interest is the bird room that allows you to watch birds at numerous feeders from a comfortable, indoor space. A nice surprise is the well-placed microphone that allows you to hear the birds as well.
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Photographer - John Cassady
GalleryExcellent pix from one of Indiana's own