So, How Many Feathered Friends Can You Find in Illinois?
Ever felt the urge to grab your binoculars and head out into the great state of Illinois, hoping to catch a glimpse of some feathered friends? Well, hold onto your birding hat (or, you know, a regular hat), because Illinois is home to a surprising number of our fine, winged neighbors! But just how many are we talking about? Buckle up, birders, because we're about to take a flight into the fascinating world of Illinois avian statistics.
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| How Many Species Of Birds Are In Illinois |
The Official Tally: More Than You Think!
According to the Illinois Ornithological Society (fancy name for the official bird-counters of the state), as of January 2024, there are a whopping 458 species (plus one sneaky "species group") documented in Illinois. That's a lot of beaks, wings, and possibly judgemental stares if you get too close to their nest.
QuickTip: Keep a notepad handy.
Wait, a "species group?" Yep, you read that right. Sometimes things get a little fuzzy in the bird world, and scientists aren't 100% sure if two very similar birds are truly distinct species. So, in the case of the California/Woodhouse's Scrub-Jay, they get lumped together as a group for record-keeping purposes.
Tip: Read at your natural pace.
Not All Birds Are Created Equal (Especially When It Comes to Rarity)
Now, that 458 number is pretty impressive, but it's important to remember that not all birds are created equal (especially when it comes to how often you'll see them). The Illinois Ornithological Society helpfully breaks down the sightings into categories like "common" (birds you're likely to see on any given birding adventure) and "accidental" (feathered visitors who are just passing through and you might get lucky enough to spot once in a blue moon).
QuickTip: Scroll back if you lose track.
Here's a quick breakdown:
Tip: Reading in short bursts can keep focus high.
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- Common: There are plenty of birds that call Illinois home year-round, like the majestic Northern Cardinal (the state bird, by the way) or the slightly less majestic (but still cool) American Robin.
- Casual: Some birds show up seasonally or just like to visit occasionally. These feathered tourists might include the flashy Baltimore Oriole or the slightly-less-flashy (but still interesting) Wild Turkey.
- Accidental: Ever seen a flamingo in Illinois? Probably not, because those tropical birds are considered "accidentals" in the state. But hey, if you're looking for a birding challenge, there you have it!
Basically, Illinois has birds for every mood and level of birding expertise.
So You Want to Be a Bird Counter? How To...
Inspired to embark on your own Illinois birding adventure? Here are some quick tips to get you started:
- How to Get Started: Grab some binoculars (the closer you can zoom, the better!), a field guide to help you identify your feathered friends, and a healthy dose of patience. Birds can be shy!
- How to Find Birds: Check out online resources or birding apps to find birding hotspots near you. State parks, nature preserves, and even your own backyard can be great places to start.
- How to Identify Birds: Pay attention to size, shape, color patterns, and of course, that all-important song! Field guides and online resources can be a huge help here.
- How to Be a Responsible Birder: Respect the birds and their habitat. Keep your distance, avoid loud noises, and never try to handle wild birds.
- How to Have Fun: Birding should be enjoyable! Relax, take in the fresh air, and appreciate the amazing variety of birds that call Illinois home.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your binoculars and head out there! The skies of Illinois are waiting to be explored, one feathered friend at a time.
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