State of Iowa
Iowa is a landlocked state in the upper Midwestern region of the United States. It borders the Mississippi River to the east and the Missouri River and Big Sioux River to the west; Wisconsin to the northeast, Illinois to the east and southeast, Missouri to the south, Nebraska to the west, South Dakota to the northwest, and Minnesota to the north. It is the 26th largest with an area of just under 146,000 Km² (56,000 square miles) and the 31st most populous of the 50 US states, with a population of 3.2 million people. The state’s capital, most populous city, and largest metropolitan area fully located within the state is Des Moines with less than a quarter of a million residents. A portion of the larger Omaha, Nebraska, metropolitan area extends into three counties of southwest Iowa. Iowa has been listed as one of the safest US states in which to live.
Several natural lakes exist, most notably Spirit Lake, West Okoboji Lake, and East Okoboji Lake in northwest Iowa. To the east lies Clear Lake. Man-made lakes include Lake Odessa, Saylorville Lake, Lake Red Rock, Coralville Lake, Lake MacBride, and Rathbun Lake. Before European settlement, 4 to 6 million acres of the state was covered with wetlands, about 95% of these wetlands have been drained. Iowa’s natural vegetation is tallgrass prairie and savanna in upland areas, with dense forest and wetlands in flood plains and protected river valleys, and pothole wetlands in northern prairie areas.
White Oak Lake, Shimek State Forest – ©Iowauniguy, CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia
Most of Iowa is used for agriculture; crops cover 60% of the state, grasslands (mostly pasture and hay with some prairie and wetland) cover 30%, and forests cover 7%; urban areas and water cover another 1% each. The southern part of Iowa is categorised as the Central forest-grasslands transition ecoregion. The Northern, drier part of Iowa is categorised as part of the Central tall grasslands. There is a dearth of natural areas in Iowa; less than 1% of the tallgrass prairie that once covered most of Iowa remains intact; only about 5% of the state’s prairie pothole wetlands remain, and most of the original forest has been lost. The explosion in the number of high-density livestock facilities in Iowa has led to increased rural water contamination and a decline in air quality.
Iowa has a humid continental climate throughout the state with extremes of both heat and cold. The average annual temperature at Des Moines is 10 °C; for some locations in the north, such as Mason City, the figure is about 7 °C, while Keokuk, on the Mississippi River, averages 11 °C. Snowfall is common, with Des Moines getting about 26 days of snowfall a year, and other places, such as Shenandoah getting about 11 days of snowfall in a year. Rainfall across the state ranges from an average of 28 inches to 38 inches. Spring ushers in the beginning of the severe weather season. Iowa averages about 50 days of thunderstorm activity per year with the annual average number of tornadoes being 47. Iowa summers are known for heat and humidity, with daytime temperatures sometimes near 32 °C and occasionally exceeding 38 °C (the highest ever being 48 °C), whereas average winters in the state have been known to drop well below freezing, even dropping below −28 °C.
Birding Iowa
Located between two major river systems in the heart of the upper Midwest, Iowa offers a bit of everything for birders. Many species are at the limit of either their east-west or north-south range in this state.
Along Iowa’s eastern border, formed by the Mississippi River, one can find a typical sampling of the species found in eastern North America. The Mississippi Flyway is a major migration route for waterfowl, raptors, shorebirds, and most passerines. Extensive bottomland forest is typical. The eleven locks and dams on the Mississippi each have large pools above them that accommodate great concentrations of waterfowl. Vagrant winter Gulls are found quite routinely along the river. Large numbers of Bald Eagles winter here, with this species now ranging over the entire state. The western border of the state is formed by the Missouri River. The Loess Hills, ranging north along the river, are a unique geological feature, and attract many western species not found in other parts of the state. The Missouri flyway is the primary migration route for Snow and Ross’s Geese, as well as many waterfowl.
Loess Hills Near Mondamin – ©Bill Whittaker CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
Historically a prairie state, Iowa is now extensively farmed. The most recently glaciated prairie pothole region, in the Northwest part of the state, is home to many waterfowl, gulls, terns and wetland birds. Its extensive marshes and pools attract shorebirds in migration. The steep bluffs and hills in the Northeast Palaeozoic Plateau are the best areas to find Golden Eagle, Ruffed Grouse and Pileated Woodpeckers.
The most comprehensive and valuable website for Iowa birders is the Iowa Birds and Birding Page, sponsored by the Iowa Ornithologists’ Union. It includes information about the IOU, publications available, the state Rare Bird Alert; archives and an extensive list of e-mail addresses of birders who are willing to assist others, birding sites around the state, the official Iowa checklist, activity of the Records Committee, local birding groups, links to other Iowa websites, and more.
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Hitchcock Nature Centre Hawkwatch
WebpageSatellite ViewThere is an annual hawkwatch at the Hitchcock Nature Centre, which is located in the Loess Hills near Crescent. It records an average of slightly over 10,000 hawks, eagles, and vultures of 18-20 different species every fall. Large flights of waterfowl and other avian species also occur there. It is certainly a site of national significance and has been listed among the top hawkwatches in North America by Wildbird magazine and was Iowa's first IBA.
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Number of bird species: 435
(As at June 2024)State Bird:
Eastern Goldfinch Carduelis tristis
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Avibase
PDF ChecklistThis checklist includes all bird species found in Iowa , 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. -
Iowa Birds
Checklist433 Species (212 Nesting) -
Iowa Ornithologists' Union
PDF ChecklistFIELD CHECKLIST OF IOWA BIRDS Iowa Ornithologists’ Union, Revised 2023, 433 Total Species Copyright © 2023 by Iowa Ornithologists’ Union. All rights reserved. -
Wikipedia
Annotated ListThis list of birds of Iowa includes species documented in the U.S. state of Iowa and accepted by the Iowa Ornithologists' Union (IOU). As of January 2023, there are 433 species included in the official list. -
eBird
PDF Checklist449 species (+175 other taxa) - Year-round, All years
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Birds of Iowa
| Field Guide | By Stan Tekiela | Adventure Publications | Edition 2 | 2023 | Paperback | 304 pages, colour photos, colour distribution maps | ISBN: 9781647552411 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Birds of an Iowa Dooryard
| By Althea R Sherman | University of Iowa Press | 1997 | Paperback | 270 pages, 16 photos | ISBN: 9780877455684 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Fifty Common Birds of the Upper Midwest
| By Nancy Overcott | University of Iowa Press | 20006 | Hardback | 124 pages, 50 colour illustrations | ISBN: 9780877459835 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Fifty Uncommon Birds of the Upper Midwest
| By Nancy Overcott | University of Iowa Press | 2007 | Hardback | ISBN: 9781587295904 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Iowa Birdlife
| By Gladys Black | Iowa State University Press | 1992 | Paperback | 220 pages | 32 colour & 107 b/w photos | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780877453932 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
Iowa Birds
| (A Folding Pocket Guide to Familiar Species) | by James R Kavanagh | Waterford Press | 2000 | Unbound | 12 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9781583551462 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Iowa Breeding Bird Atlas
| By Laura Spess Jackson, Carol A Thompson & James J. Dinsmore | Iowa State University Press | 1996 | Paperback | 484 pages, 185 b/w photos, tables, 185 maps | Out of Print | ISBN: 9780877455615 Buy this book from NHBS.com -
The Raptors of Iowa
| By James F Landenberger | University of Iowa Press | 2013 | Paperback | 128 pages, colour illustrations | ISBN: 9781609381660 Buy this book from NHBS.com
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Hitchcock Nature Area Hawkwatch
Observatory WebsiteSatellite ViewEvery September through December, bird of prey enthusiasts gather at Hitchcock Nature Area to observe and count thousands of hawks, eagles, and vultures that migrate south past Pottawattamie County's Hitchcock Nature Area…
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Stempel Bird Museum
InformationDr. Guido Louis Stempel, M.D. (1836 – 1917) was a self-made authority in the areas of ornithology and entomology. Then and now, his bird and butterfly collections were considered to be the best in the state of Iowa…
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Audubon Society in Iowa
WebsiteContact numbers and a list of local chapters -
Big Bluestem Audubon Society
WebsiteA local chapter of Audubon in Iowa with details of committee, newsletters etc -
Cedar Rapids Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Cedar Rapids Audubon Society (CRAS) is a chapter of the National Audubon Society. When you join the National Society, you become a member of the Cedar Rapids chapter. Your membership includes a subscription to the Audubon magazine and also the chapter newsletter (Nature Trails). You will also receive mailings of national, regional, state and local conservation issues and events -
Des Moines Audubon Society
WebsiteDes Moines Audubon Society was organized in 1923 by a group of folks interested in the birds of the area. Although it is not a chapter of National Audubon, there is an affiliation and the Des Moines group actively participates in the statewide coalition Iowa Audubon. -
Dubuque Audubon Society
WebsiteWelcome to the Dubuque Audubon Society Online! Please explore and learn more about the Audubon Society, birding, wild birds, conservation and more. Join the DAS or pick up a bird list to begin birding on your own. It all begins here -
Iowa Audubon
WebsiteThe Mission of Iowa Audubon is to identify, protect and restore Iowa's bird habitats, to educate Iowa's citizens toward a greater level of conservation awareness, and to promote enjoyment and greater pride in Iowa's natural ecosystems, birds, other wildlife -
Iowa City Bird Club
WebsiteAbout Eastern Iowa Birds, Birders, local bird sightings, places to bird, etc.. This is a very active group with field trips at least once per month, often more -
Iowa Ornithologists Union
WebsiteThe Iowa Records Committee, a standing committee of the Iowa Ornithologists Union, is charged with evaluating and voting on records of rare birds recorded in the state and extensive info on birding around the state of Iowa, where to bird, contacts, etc… -
Iowa Purple Martin Organization
facebook PageThe Iowa Purple Martin Organization is dedicated to the protection, preservation and promotion of the purple martin species throughout Iowa and surrounding states. We strive to increase the martin population through education, raising public awareness, research, recruiting new martin landlords, best landlord practices, restoration of housing, offering connections for landlords through iamartin.org and in utilizing a mentoring program. -
Iowa Raptor Project
InformationThe Macbride Raptor Project or MRP is a non-profit organisation devoted to the preservation of Iowa's raptors and their natural habitats. They achieve their goals through the rehabilitation of sick and injured raptors, educational programs for the public, and field research of Iowa's native birds of prey… -
Iowa Young Birders
WebsiteFounded in 2011 to encourage young Iowans ages 8-18 to study and enjoy birds and birding, Iowa Young Birders has offered nearly 60 field trips all around Iowa. More than 600 participants have included over 300 young birders, 200 parents and 100 volunteer trip leaders. -
Loess Hills Audubon Society
WebsiteThe Loess Hills -
Nature Conservancy in Iowa
WebsiteWell presented site but they should look at some other state NC sites - and copy their use of stunning photographs. The Nature Conservancy of Iowa is focused on the long-term protection and stewardship of the natural communities found throughout our state. We strive to balance human needs and ecological health. The Iowa Chapter was founded in 1963, since then we have purchased over 6,000 acres of significant landscapes. We currently own 30 preserves, lease two and participate in the management of one. We also hold conservation easements on two additional properties… -
Prairie Rapids Audubon Society
WebsiteThe mission of Prairie Rapids Audubon shall be to engage in programs that provide members of the public education about and appreciation for birds; increased knowledge and awareness of birds and birding; and conservation, preservation and restoration of natural bird habitat for the benefit of humanity and the earth’s biological diversity. -
Quad City Audubon Society
WebsiteWelcome to the Quad City Audubon Society. A chapter of the National Audubon Society, we are an association of local volunteers whose primary concerns are birds and the habitats that sustain them -
Raptor Resource Project
WebsiteThe Raptor Resource Project is a nonprofit, 501c3 dedicated to restoring the Midwest`s population of Peregrine falcons and other raptors. Welcome to our website -
Spring Creek Prairie Audubon Center
WebsiteSpring Creek Prairie Audubon Center focuses on conservation of the tallgrass prairie ecosystem and the birds that rely on it. -
Upper Iowa Audubon Society
WebsiteThe local Audubon chapter of Iowa's Driftless Region
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*Protected areas of Iowa
InformationSatellite ViewProtected areas of Iowa by county etc. -
CA Kuehn
InformationSatellite ViewKuehn Convservation Area is park near Earlham, Iowa managed by the Dallas County Conservation Board.[1] The park provides a restored prairie, bird watching areas, primitive camping, and hiking trails. The park was formed in 1982 from a 300-acre (1.2 km2) donation by Gerald Kuehn, which was his residence during his youth. Subsequent acquisitions has brought the park to almost 600 acres (2.4 km2) -
Hitchcock Nature Center
Facebook PageSatellite ViewNestled in the southern half of the Loess Hills, Hitchcock Nature Center (HNC) is a former YMCA camp that has a become a county park and is managed by the Pottawattamie County Conservation Board (PCCB); HNC provides spectacular views of the Loess Hills and the adjoining Missouri River Valley…. -
Iowa State Forests
WebsiteSatellite ViewIowa's state forest system consists of 4 major and 6 smaller units totaling 40,706 acres. The Division of Forestry pursues an active land acquisition program with a goal of 250,000 acres by the year 2020… -
NR Hartman Reserve Nature Center
WebsiteSatellite ViewHartman Reserve Nature Center is a 308.9-acre (1.250 km2) nature reserve located in Cedar Falls, Iowa. The reserve is dedicated to teaching youth about nature through hands on experiences and preservation. -
NS Robertson Bird Sanctuary
WebpageSatellite ViewRobertson Bird Sanctuary is a 1.2 mile lightly trafficked out and back trail located near Waterloo, Iowa that features a river and is good for all skill levels. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from March until November. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. -
NS Sugar Creek Audubon Sanctuary
PDF BrochureSatellite ViewSugar Creek Audubon Nature Sanctuary is owned by the Tallgrass Prairie Audubon Society, the local Audubon chapter, and Jacob Krumm Nature Preserve is owned by the Jasper County Conservation Board. -
NWR DeSoto
WebpageSatellite ViewDeSoto National Wildlife Refuge was established on March 12, 1958 under the Migratory Bird Conservation Act of 1929 for "…use as an inviolate sanctuary or for other management purposes, for migratory birds." The refuge lies in the wide, fertile plain of the Missouri River Valley in a former bend of the Missouri River about 25 miles north of Omaha, Nebraska… -
NWR Neal Smith
WebpageSatellite ViewThe mission of the Refuge is to actively protect, restore, reconstruct and manage the diverse native ecosystems of tallgrass prairie, oak savanna, and sedge meadow. These were the native habitats existing on the Refuge’s 5600 acres prior to Euro-American settlement. … -
SP Belleview
InformationSatellite ViewBellevue State Park is a state park of Iowa, USA, along the banks of the Mississippi River just south of Bellevue. The South Bluff Nature Center in the Nelson Unit contains displays on the plants, animals and geology of Bellevue State Park. The center is open seasonally and offers a variety of programs in the summer. -
Watchable Wildlife of Northwest Iowa
WebsiteSatellite ViewInteractive Map - Northwest Iowa is a hidden treasure amid the country's midsection. We have great areas to explore. While we don't have mountains or oceans, Iowa abounds with special and unique areas. Come with us to explore some of the special highlights. Whether you are a resident or a visitor to the area, start with one of these great spots, and you won't want to stop! There is something special in our backyard
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ABA Bird News Iowa
Sightings -
IA-BIRD
DiscussionWelcome to the new IA-BIRD, a listserve for discussions about Iowa Birds. If you need assistance please send a message to maillist@iowabirds.org. -
Iowa Birding
ForumThe purpose of this group is to provide a forum in which Iowa's birders (and those with an interest in Iowa birding) can share information and express their general interest in birds. -
Iowa Rare Bird Alert
SightingsThe report below shows observations of rare birds in Iowa. Includes both unreviewed and reviewed/approved observations.
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2005 [06 June] - Jan Landsverk - Colorado, Kansas, Missouri, Iowa, South Dakota, Wyoming, Idaho, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Colorado.
ReportMy wife and I spent one month in USA from June 24. We landed in Denver Colorado where a Chevrolet waited on us. It served us so well all the 9600 km – no problems, no accidents. We had a great time in every respect, also due to the fact that the weather was on our side – almost no rain for a month. But there was a slight “problem”, it was too hot, as a heat wave followed us part of the time, even at high altitudes. Denver is situated on about 1650 meter, and there we had around 40 degrees (104 Fahrenheit) for several days, beating all the previous records.
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Archives for the Iowa Rare Bird Alert
WebsiteOccasionally readers wonder what great birds they missed while out of town. These archives will let you peruse the rare bird alerts for the past few years. -
Birding Lansing
WebpageTucked between limestone bluffs and facing the Mississippi River, you’ll find the lovely town of Lansing, IA. And along the highways near Lansing, you can discover the Great River Birding Trail. This drivable trail along the Mississippi is one of just three birding trails in Iowa. The trail—part of the Great River Road—runs from Canada to the Gulf of Mexico. It includes sites with established wildlife refuges, parks, overlooks and numerous attractions. -
Birding in Iowa
WebpageYou really ought to give Iowa a try. With farmland, the state features a variety of habitats, especially along the banks of the Missouri and Mississippi rivers.