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Species of Birds Native to Virginia

Virginia's diverse landscape results in an equally diverse bird population. Birds live in all of the state's habitats, from the shores of the Atlantic Ocean to the Blue Ridge Mountains. Although many species are migratory and spend their winters in warmer climates, at least 340 birds species are native to Virginia, according to the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries. Four species, now extinct, once made Virginia home.

Shorebirds
- Black skimmers nest in colonies in Virginia.
  
  With more than 11,000 miles of shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean (Ref 3), Virginia is an ideal location for shorebirds. At least 80 species stop and feed on the state's shores during their migration. Several species of shorebirds nest in Virginia, including the black skimmer and American oystercatcher as well as two endangered species, the piping plover and Wison's plover.
Songbirds
- Songbirds live in almost every habitat within Virginia. The swamp sparrow sings to defend its territory from tall marsh grasses in wetlands and lakes. The cerulean warbler prefers dense forests, like those in the Blue Ridge Mountains. The northern cardinal builds its nest throughout the state, from remote areas to backyards. More than 100 species of songbirds make Virginia their home or stop there during migration.
Raptors
- This group is made up of birds such as owls, falcons, hawks and eagles. All have excellent eyesight and usually hunt for small- to medium-sized small mammals. While the bald eagle is present year-round throughout the state, the golden eagle only winters in Virginia, mostly in the Appalachians. The smallest of the raptors, the screech owl, inhabits a variety of landscapes and is often heard at night in urban areas.
Water Birds
- Ducks, geese, swans, herons, grebes and egrets are just some of the birds who rely on Virginia's diverse wetlands, lakes and streams. Most of these birds will use both fresh and salt water depending on their needs and the season. Some birds, like shearwaters and petrels, rarely, if ever, come on land but use the waters just off Virginia.
Other Birds
- With more than 300 species, it's difficult to categorize all of Virginia's birds into just a few groups. Some birds, like hummingbirds or vultures, don't fit into broad categories. Visit the Virginia Department of Game and Inland Fisheries' list of native birds for a complete overview of all the birds in the state.
Extinct Birds
- The Labrador duck, great auk, eskimo curlew and Carolina parakeet are extinct but historic records indicate they were found in Virginia.

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