Large Birds in Michigan: Types, Sizes, and Conservation Efforts (2024)

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Have you ever seen a large bird soaring through the Michigan skies? If so, you are among the lucky few who have had the chance to witness some of nature’s most majestic creatures.

From Trumpeter Swans to Gyrfalcons, there is an array of large birds in Michigan that grace our land with their presence.

This article will explore these species and discuss their sizes, conservation efforts and other interesting facts about them.

We’ll also look at which birds migrate here seasonally as well as those that live year-round in this beautiful state.

So grab your binoculars and come join us on a journey into discovering more about these fascinating feathered friends!

Types of Large Birds in Michigan

As an ornithologist in Michigan, I’ve had the privilege of observing magnificent bird species across the state. From the towering Sandhill Crane to the massive but graceful Trumpeter Swan, you’ll find birds of impressive sizes here.

The pileated woodpecker hammers trees, Caspian terns dive for fish, and rough-legged hawks soar over open country during winter. We even host a variety of owl species, from the great horned to the elusive great gray, and birds of prey like the gyrfalcon and osprey thrive here too.

Common loons with their haunting cries and acrobatic plunge-diving fill our lakes as well.

The diversity of species in Michigan provides ample chances to witness remarkable birds.

Sandhill Crane

You’ll be awestruck by the elegant Sandhill Cranes when their rolling cries echo across the wetlands as these 5-foot-tall birds with 7-foot wingspans gather in huge flocks before migrating from Michigan to Florida.

Careful habitat conservation has allowed the Sandhill Crane population to grow steadily since the 1960s after near extinction. However, their breeding and migratory habits make population growth slow. Therefore, preserving wetlands and grasslands remains crucial for these ancient, majestic birds during each breeding season and migratory stopover in Michigan.

Trumpeter Swan

You can’t help but be awed when the trumpeter swan, with its massive wingspan, glides gracefully across a Michigan lake. Though its bulk is impressive, a closer look reveals the elegant curves of its long neck and regal bearing that give this giant waterbird an air of royalty.

• Reintroduced to Michigan wetlands in the 1980s and ’90s after overhunting drove them to near-extinction.
• Trumpeter swans mate for life, with pairs often staying together for over 20 years.
• Undergo an annual molt where they shed and replace all their flight feathers, leaving them flightless for several weeks.
• Represent purity, elegance, love, and loyalty in many cultures.

Pileated Woodpecker

Have you seen those big old woodpeckers with the crazy red crests hammering away at trees around here? They’re called Pileated Woodpeckers, and they’re the biggest woodpeckers we’ve got in Michigan, known for making those huge rectangular holes in trees while scrounging for insects.

Their characteristic hammering noise is heard throughout the forests as they probe trees and logs for carpenter ants and other insects. Watch for them year-round across the state, especially in mature forests with plenty of dead and dying trees.

Caspian Tern

Caspian terns, with coral-red beaks and aggressive behavior, are the largest terns in Michigan. You may catch a glimpse of their sharp crimson beaks as they plunge into water to catch small fish. Caspian terns nest on sandy or rocky islands and are very protective of their nesting sites, diving aggressively at intruders.

Their diet consists mainly of small fish like alewives, shad, sticklebacks, and smelt. Caspian terns migrate through the Great Lakes region in spring and fall between breeding grounds in the Arctic and wintering grounds in the southern U.

Sightings of these large terns should be reported to the Michigan Bird Records Committee for population monitoring.

Rough-legged Hawk

You’ll spot rough-legged hawks during winter in Michigan as they migrate south from the arctic, scanning open areas with their keen vision to catch rodents.

• Excellent fliers that hover while hunting
• Prefer open country like grasslands and marshes
• Migrate from the arctic tundra
• Primarily eat small mammals like voles and lemmings

Rough-legged hawks are impressive raptors that visit Michigan each winter to hunt in open habitats.

Great Horned Owl

A Great Horned Owl, among the largest owls in the state, spots at you with its distinctive ear tufts and piercing yellow eyes. This impressive raptor thrives in many habitats across Michigan, from dense forests to city parks.

With excellent vision and hearing, it hunts after sunset for a diverse menu of mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects. Though solitary, pairs bond for life. They nest early, with the female incubating eggs in February while the male provides food.

Despite adapting well to humans, habitat loss remains a concern. Monitoring and protecting wetland areas allow these ferocious hunters to flourish.

Great Gray Owl

The great gray owl is a winter visitor in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, silently swooping through the snowy forests with its huge, round head on the hunt for prey. As the largest owl in North America, these elusive predators can be spotted in northern Michigan’s boreal forests from November to March, feeding on voles and other small mammals.

Though rare, dedicated birders may be rewarded with a sighting of this magnificent owl if they visit known hotspots and listen for its low hoots when snow blankets the north woods. With luck and patience, you may glimpse this phantom of the far north on its southern sojourns.

Gyrfalcon

Come seek the gyrfalcon, the largest falcon in Michigan, as she glides on broad wings over the frozen north in winter’s chill. The gyrfalcon’s tundra home brings her south to hunt the wide fields of Michigan when winter descends.

This fierce predator dives for voles and ducks with talons outstretched, then returns north come spring’s thaw. Marvel at her size and power, but protect her wilderness home so she may continue her epic migrations between the Arctic extremes.

Though but a fleeting visitor, the gyrfalcon’s wild spirit captivates all who glimpse her soaring flight.

Common Loon

Though the Gyrfalcon may be larger, the Common Loon’s eerie calls echo across Michigan’s lakes as this avian angler dives for prey.

• Majestic black-and-white waterbird renowned for yodeling cries
• Agile diver that chases fish underwater, propelling itself with its feet
• Males and females take turns incubating two olive-colored eggs
• Chicks ride on their parent’s back for warmth and protection
• Sensitive to human disturbance, threatened by lead poisoning

The Common Loon epitomizes the wildness of Michigan’s north woods. As its haunting wails reverberate across misty lakes, we feel blessed to share the landscape with these diving birds.

Osprey

Get a glimpse of magnificent ospreys with powerful talons and reversible outer toes diving and fishing in Michigan’s waterways. These large raptors, with 5- to 6-foot wingspans, nest near rivers and lakes with abundant fish during the summer months.

Marvel as they expertly plunge into the water and catch prey with outer toes that rotate backward. Though osprey populations declined from pesticide use, they recovered once DDT was banned. Now thousands migrate through the state each year. Watch for their dramatic dives and listen for their loud whistling calls over waterways.

Michigan’s Largest Birds

Despite its dwindling population, the majestic Sandhill Crane remains Michigan’s tallest bird species, though its future is uncertain if habitat preservation efforts falter.

• Visit Baker Sanctuary in October to see thousands of Sandhill Cranes before they migrate.
• Look for nesting Trumpeter Swans in northern wetlands and learn about their behavior.
• Search for Pileated Woodpeckers in mature forests and help protect their habitat.
• Watch Caspian Terns plunge dive for fish and do not disturb their feeding.
• Spot Great Gray Owls in winter in Upper Michigan and appreciate their adaptations.
• Marvel at the occasional Gyrfalcon passing through in winter.

Endangered Birds in Michigan

Hello. You are probably familiar with the southern sandhill crane and bald eagle, two of Michigan’s largest endangered birds. The Mississippi sandhill crane, a subspecies distinguished by its lighter, sandy-colored plumage and smaller size compared to our northern cranes, and bald eagles, long revered as icons of America but only recently taken off the endangered listing after forty years of conservation efforts, both represent dramatic stories of near extinction and hopeful recovery.

Mississippi Sandhill Crane

You’re concerned about the endangered Mississippi Sandhill Crane, as its slow population recovery highlights the need for habitat preservation. Having studied these majestic birds in their wetland breeding grounds, you know conservation is crucial.

Their annual migration from Michigan to Florida depends on protected habitats along the route. Like the recovering Bald Eagle, successful crane conservation requires habitat protection, limiting disturbances, and public education.

The cranes’ future depends on continued efforts to protect their habitats, limit disturbances, and educate the public about their plight. We must remain vigilant in our conservation efforts if these remarkable birds are to fully recover.

Bald Eagle

You’ve witnessed the bald eagle’s inspiring resurgence in Michigan after years of decline from habitat loss and DDT poisoning. The population of this majestic bird has soared thanks to conservation efforts protecting nesting and foraging areas.

Seeing the bald eagle’s white head and distinctive brown body cruise over lakes or perch in tall trees remains an awe-inspiring experience. We must continue preserving wetland habitat and restricting toxic chemicals so this iconic species can thrive.

The bald eagle persevering as a symbol of national pride depends on ongoing stewardship in the state.

Birds of Prey in Michigan

Raptors reign in Michigan, with bald eagles representing the largest bird of prey in the state. These majestic birds soar on six-foot wingspans, swooping to pluck fish from glittering lakes. Great horned owls prowl the night, flashing cat-like pupils as they hunt. Ospreys crash dive with talons outstretched, hitting the water at speeds up to 50 miles per hour to snatch unsuspecting fish.

Endangered trumpeter swans glide across wetlands; their conservation is crucial.

Other raptors like turkey vultures, black vultures, and glaucous gulls fill niches across Michigan, each playing a vital role. The diversity of Michigan’s birds of prey showcases the beauty and interconnectedness of nature.

From the smallest kestrel to the mighty bald eagle, raptors display mastery of the skies.

Birds That Migrate to Michigan

As an avid Michigan birder for more than 20 years, I’m delighted to share some insights on large birds that migrate to Michigan. The snowy owl and golden eagle are two iconic species that visit our state during fall and spring migrations.

Although they may seem elusive, with knowledge of their habitat and patience, you can spot these majestic birds gracing our skies.

With a wingspan exceeding five feet, snowy owls are one of the largest owls in North America. During winter months, they travel south from the Arctic tundra to hunt in Michigan’s open fields and wetlands.

September through November offers the best chance to catch a glimpse of these striking white owls with black speckles.

Equally as impressive, golden eagles are North America’s largest birds of prey. In fall and spring, some migrate east from western states to hunt small mammals and waterfowl across Michigan. Look for them soaring high above open areas. With luck, you may witness one spectacularly diving down to snatch prey.

Though elusive, snowy owls and golden eagles make outstanding additions to any birding journal. Understanding their habitat and migration patterns helps increase the odds of observing these magnificent migrants in Michigan.

Snowy Owl

Beware the snowy owl’s silent swoop when it migrates through Michigan’s cold winters. These striking white raptors visit from the Arctic, drawn by abundant prey like voles and cottontails. Watch for them perched atop poles or tucked within snowy fields. Though populations are stable, give them space and marvel from a distance, respecting their fierce hunting instincts honed in the tundra’s unforgiving climes.

Mute swans and Caspian terns also migrate through Michigan, but none match the dramatic presence of the snowy owl.

Golden Eagle

The majestic Golden Eagle might be spotted soaring over Michigan during fall and spring migrations.

• Hunts small mammals like rabbits, marmots, and ground squirrels
• Nests on cliffs and trees; very territorial
• Population stable but faces threats like habitat loss
• Protected under Bald & Golden Eagle Protection Act
• Notable migrator across North America

Visiting Golden Eagles grace the fall and spring skies in Michigan as they journey between their breeding and wintering grounds. Witnessing one of these powerful raptors is an unforgettable experience. With conservation efforts, majestic Golden Eagles will continue their migrations over the Great Lakes State for generations to come.

Waterbirds in Michigan

Good morning. As an avid birder who has studied Michigan’s avifauna for over twenty years, I’ll provide a brief overview of two iconic large waterbirds found in the state: Great Blue Herons and Mute Swans.

Standing nearly four feet tall with a six-foot wingspan, the stately Great Blue Heron can often be spotted along inland lakes, rivers, and wetlands across Michigan. Equally impressive are Mute Swans, one of the heaviest flying birds in the world, whose grace and beauty belie their aggressive temperament at times.

Great Blue Heron

You’ll spot majestic Great Blue Herons standing statuesque along Michigan’s shorelines, patiently waiting to spear fish with their dagger-like bills. These elegant birds breed in colonies near water, building stick nests high in trees.

Their diet consists mainly of fish, frogs, small mammals, and insects. Although Great Blue Heron numbers remain stable, habitat loss threatens populations. By protecting wetlands, especially near heron rookeries, people can help safeguard Michigan’s Great Blue Herons for future generations.

Mute Swan

You’d find the mute swan, one of Michigan’s largest waterbirds with its 6-foot wingspan, gliding across wetlands while foraging for aquatic plants. An invasive species, the mute swan can aggressively defend territory, as evidenced by a mute swan in Traverse City that once chased a kayaker.

With growing populations, mute swans threaten native ducks and others by dominating habitat. Restoration efforts reduce their impacts; however, conflict remains between preserving biodiversity and the ethical treatment of swans.

Creative compromise integrating animal welfare science supports coexistence and conservation.

Birds Found Year-Round in Michigan

As a lifelong birder in the Great Lakes State, I’ve come to appreciate those birds that tough out our long winters. You can spot them in their native habitats like woodlands, wetlands, and along the lakeshores, even on the coldest days.

Some excellent places for year-round birding include Point Pelee National Park, Tawas Point State Park, and the Les Cheneaux Islands.

• Bald eagles stick around, feeding on fish and waterfowl. Conservation efforts brought them back from the brink.
• R￭ grouse stay active in northern forests, surviving on buds and leaves.
• Black-capped chickadees continue their cheery chick-a-dee-dee calls. They glean seeds and insects from bark and branches.
• Northern cardinals add a pop of color, feeding on seeds and fruits.

Spotting hardy resident birds in winter reveals their adaptability. With extra care taken, they withstand the harshest conditions that Michigan can offer.

Large Birds in Michigan by Size

Though seeing a trumpeter swan sailing overhead sounds divine, their mammoth eight-foot wingspans cast the biggest shadows across Michigan’s skies. Yet size alone does not make a bird magnificent. The sandhill crane’s graceful five-foot frame and rolling call resonates within.

While pileated woodpeckers and great horned owls dominate different domains with impressive proportions, smaller birds contribute their own splendor.

From the ruby-throated hummingbird‘s nimble two inches to the iconic bald eagle’s imposing seven-foot span, each bird’s size suits its ecological role. We must appreciate birds not for their dimensions, but for their behaviors, songs, colors, and the richness they bring.

The grandeur of Michigan’s avifauna lies not in which species spreads the widest wings, but in how diverse birds fit together.

Interesting Facts About Large Birds in Michigan

Sandhill cranes can spread their 7-foot wingspan while performing exuberant mating dances in the wetlands of Michigan before migrating south. Fascinating behaviors like the cranes’ dances, the trumpeter swans’ trumpeting calls, and the bald eagles’ dramatic fishing techniques make Michigan’s large birds a majestic sight.

Their presence has an ecological impact, from bald eagles keeping fish populations in check to turkey vultures cleaning up carcasses. The varied vocal expressions of loons, owls, and songbirds are iconic sounds of Michigan’s wilderness.

Conservation initiatives brought trumpeter swans and bald eagles back from the brink and gave sandhill cranes protected habitat, ensuring future generations can experience these magnificent birds.

Conservation Efforts for Large Birds in Michigan

Through dedicated work with wildlife agencies and conservation groups, we stay actively involved in preserving critical habitats. Monitoring wetlands and surveying breeding ranges provide crucial data for protection strategies.

Leading community education programs and advocating for stronger policies further safeguard migratory stopover sites. While threats persist from development, climate change, and other factors, hope remains.

Dedicated professionals like us continue making a difference through hands-on habitat management, breeding range protections, wetland preservation, and fostering the public’s connection to nature. We all have a role in ensuring future generations experience the grandeur of trumpeter swans gliding across wild lakes, sandhill cranes dancing at sunset, and bald eagles soaring overhead.

The success stories of recovered populations inspire us to stay vigilant in shared stewardship of the land.