Nebraska Ornithologists' Union

Spring Meeting: Fort Robinson State Park - Crawford 5/29/2026 - 5/31/2026 Details

Birding in Nebraska

There are so many wonderful birds and bird habitats in Nebraska that a single lifetime isn't nearly long enough to enjoy them all. Nebraska’s Platte Valley annually hosts the world's largest crane concentration, and also is the most frequent stopover-point for migrating Whooping Cranes. Our Sandhills region of grassy dunes and wetlands hosts many endemic prairie birds, including both Greater Prairie-Chickens and Sharp-tailed Grouse. Our western Pine Ridge country is a miniature Rocky Mountain ecosystem, with many western songbirds and raptors. The Missouri Valley forests ring each spring and summer with the voices of eastern warblers, tanagers, and flycatchers. Like two clear blue ribbons, the Niobrara and Platte rivers connect both ends of the state and provide the meeting grounds for several species of eastern and western birds. What more could a bird-lover want in a state?

Dr. Paul A. Johnsgard, Professor Emeritus, University of Nebraska-Lincoln

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Birds of Nebraska

There is a reason the Peterson guides used the 100th meridian, which dissects Nebraska, as the change from eastern to western species.

Birding Activities

Nebraska has an active birding community involved in regular activities like seasonal surveys as well as regional festivals.

NEBirds Discussion Group

Join our mail group to discuss recent sightings, identification questions, and other topics of general interest to Nebraska birders.

Why Bird Nebraska?

Don't miss the outstanding slideshow of breeding birds!

Buff-breasted Sandpiper For this species of conservation concern the Rainwater Basin is a critical stopover on the way to the arctic.

Whooping Crane A federally endangered species, a few are seen each year as they move from the Texas Coast to their breeding area in Canada.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak A harbinger of spring in the east, it overlaps in the west with its cousin, Black-headed Grosbeak.

American Avocet A large and colorful shorebird, most breeding birds are found in the western wetlands.

Burrowing Owl Cuteness abounds when these owls inhabit prairie dog towns in the sandhills and western prairies.

Sandhill Crane Nebraska’s greatest spectacle – the annual spring crane migration along the Platte River.

Nebraska Links

Birding Organizations

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NOU: Dedicated to the Study, Appreciation and Protection of Birds

Birds of Nebraska

Birding Activities

NEBirds Discussion Group