Sandhill cranes (Antigone canadensis) nest in Yellowstone each summer. Their guttural calls announce their presence long before most people see them as their gray feathers blend in well with their grassland habitat. The tallest birds in Yellowstone, they stand about 4 feet (1.2 m) high. They have a wingspan of approximately 6.5 feet (2 m) and are often mistaken for standing humans or other animals at a distance. ResourceTacha, T.C., S.A. Nesbitt, and P.A. Vohs. Sandhill crane. The Birds of North America Online. https://birdsna.org/Species-Account/bna/species/sancra/introduction 
Bald Eagle
Bald eagles can be seen along Yellowstone's many rivers and lakes. 
Osprey
Osprey summer in Yellowstone, fishing and raising young. 
Peregrine Falcon
Peregrine falcons are some of the fastest birds. 
Colony Nesting Birds
American white pelicans and other colonial nesting birds nest primarily on the Molly Islands in the southeast arm of Yellowstone Lake. 
Common Loon
Loons in Yellowstone are some of the southern most breeding populations. 
Trumpeter Swan
Trumpeter swans are the largest wild waterfowl in North America. 
Songbirds and Woodpeckers
Passerine and near passerine species comprise the majority of bird species in Yellowstone. 
American Dipper
Also known as the water ouzel, these birds dive into water for aquatic insects. 
Raven
Ravens are smart birds, able to put together cause and effect. 
Sound Library
Immerse yourself in the aural splendor of Yellowstone. 
Birds
Spring is a wonderful time to look for birds, as migration brings many birds back to the park. |
Last updated: April 17, 2025