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Mar 25, 2024 · The State Bird of West Virginia. The Northern Cardinal ( Cardinalis cardinalis) became the West Virginia state bird on March 2, 1949. On this date, the West Virginia Legislature voted to make this species an official state symbol. Although a few lawmakers may have rather voted for the Wild Turkey or Ruffed Grouse, they decided to listen to ...
- American Goldfinch
- American Robin
- Barn Swallow
- Blue Jay
- Carolina Chickadee
- Carolina Wren
- Chimney Swift
- Common Grackle
- Dark-Eyed Junco
- Downy Woodpecker
A small finch with a short tail, the American Goldfinch is widespread throughout North America. 1. Carduelis tristis 2. Size: 5″ (13cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 61% in August 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 25% in February Identification and Color:A fan favorite at backyard feeders for its brilliant yellow color. A small, slim finch with a sm...
Abundant throughout the entire country and commonly a welcome indicator of spring in northern states. The American Robin is seen year-round in West Virginia. 1. Turdus migratorius 2. Size: 9-11″ (22.5-28cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 69% in April 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 16% in January Identification and Color:Reddish-brown breast (almos...
The Barn Swallow is a small common songbird that is often seen swooping in flight. Typically found in West Virginia during the summer months. 1. Hirundo rustica 2. Size: 7″ (17 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 31% in July 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter Identification and Color:Easily identified by its long forked tail. Has a shiny b...
Blue Jays are one of the most recognizable birds in North America. Not one of the “nicest” birds, but a ubiquitous sight in West Virginia backyards. 1. Cyanocitta cristata 2. Size: 11″ (28 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 76% in September 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 37% in January Identification and Color:Larger than a sparrow but smaller tha...
The Carolina Chickadee is a year-round resident of West Virginia. 1. Poecile carolinensis 2. Size: 5.5″ (14 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 35% in April 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 15% in July Identification and Color:Their black colored head is separated by white cheek patches. Darker grey wings and lighter grey to white underparts. A small...
The Carolina Wren is a common bird in eastern North America and is seen year-round in West Virginia. 1. Thryothorus ludovicianus 2. Size: 5.5″ (14 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 52% in September 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 33% in June Identification and Color:Small, slightly chunky with reddish-brown feathers and a rusty gold/yellowish bell...
The Chimney Swift is a common resident of urban areas in West Virginia during the summer. 1. Chaetura pelagica 2. Size: 5″ (13 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 21% in July 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 0% in Winter Identification and Color:A dark brown swift with some pale gray around the throat. The Chimney Swift has been described as a “cigar...
The Common Grackle is abundant through most of central and eastern North America. One of the most common backyard birds in West Virginia. 1. Quiscalus quiscula 2. Size: 12.5″ (32 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 33% in May 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 1% in Winter Identification and Color:Easily identified by their glossy black feathers and ye...
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small, sparrow-like bird that is most often seen in West Virginia during the winter months. 1. Junco hyemalis 2. Size: 6″ (15 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 39% in February 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 2% in August Identification and Color: Rounded dark head and eyes. Charcoal back and white breast. Habitat and Behav...
The Downy Woodpecker can be seen year-round in West Virginia. 1. Picoides pubescens 2. Size: 6″ (15 cm) 3. WV Checklist Frequency High: 44% in February 4. WV Checklist Frequency Low: 19% in May Identification and Color:Adult Downies are black and white, with a black back, white belly, and a small patch of red on the back of the head. They have a sh...
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Feb 29, 2024 · February 29, 2024. By Judith C. Sharing is caring! st Virginia isn’t just known for its rolling hills and beautiful mountains; you can find over 354 different bird species in the Mountain State! This post lists some of the most exciting and colorful birds to look for in West Virginia.
- Green Bottom Wildlife Management Area. Located 15 miles northeast of Huntington, this 1,096-acre area along the Ohio River is one of West Virginia’s most popular and productive birding sites.
- Clifton F. McClintic Wildlife Management Area. To reach this area, drive north about six miles from Point Pleasant on Highway 62 and turn east on Fairground Road.
- Robert C. Byrd Locks and Dam. From Robert C. Byrd, about 12 miles south of Point Pleasant, visitors can observe birds swimming and flying along the Ohio River.
- Beech Fork State Park. Beech Fork Lake, a popular camping and recreation site, sits about 10 miles south of Huntington. A state park occupies part of the shoreline, while Beech Fork Dam and Recreation Area, operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, lies to the west.
More than 75 species of birds breed in West Virginia. That means these birds migrate to the Mountain State in the spring and summer and spend the winters in Central and South America. Early spring is an ideal time for bird watching, but you’ll need to get up early to catch birds in action. Between sunrise and mid-morning is when birds are ...
Dec 13, 2023 · The cardinal is common and often found in mundane places. If you want to do some birdwatching across the state of West Virginia, check out some of these beautiful places: Dolly Sods Wilderness, Blackwater Falls State Park, Cranberry Glades Botanical Area, and North Fork Valley Canopy Tours.
West Virginia has more than 170 breeding species of birds. Many birds are only part-time residents of the state. Some birds only spend winters in West Virginia while some migratory birds can be observed only during the spring and summer.
