Birds of The Greater Chicago Area Seasonal Checklist
This checklist contains 328 species of birds that have been reported in the greater Chicago area since 1970.
Bird identification APPs
Apps provide ID help quickly based on location, size, color:
Bird guide books
The Sibley Guide to Birds is considered the classic go-to with detailed descriptions and illustrations, but there are many other bird field guides to explore.
eBird
To find out where the birds - and the birders - are, check eBird, the online data repository that holds the collective knowledge of the hemisphere’s birders.
Birds of the windy city
Discover over 300 birds in Chicago.
This printable guide, although several years old, still provides a a comprehensive overview of Chicago’s bird life and resources for learning more. Chicago is a great place to learn about birds and become stewards for their survival.
Bird the preserves checklist
The Forest Preserves of Cook County provide this checklist of birds that can be found locally.
Download PDF
Chicago REgion Birding Trail Guide
This pocket guide covers the seven Illinois counties surrounding Chicago and the two north-west Indiana counties along Lake Michigan.
This guide offers the highlights of birding in the Chicago region.
Field Museum Rapid Color Guides
Print up one of these seasonal guides to Chicago’s common bird species.
Organizations
Chicago Bird Collision Monitors, an all volunteer Chicago conservation effort. They rescue injured migratory birds that hit buildings downtown and they work to reduce risks in Chicago to these birds. Hotline - (773) 988-1867
Chicago Ornithological Society, celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2012.
Illinois Ornithological Society, the statewide birding organization.
Bird Conservation Network, a coalition of organizations with an interest in bird conservation
Eagle Nature Foundation, Ltd., an Illinois based nonprofit organization devoted to environmental preservation of the bald eagle and other endangered species
Birding community
Illinois Birding Calendar, maintained by Jenny Vogt. Dates and Locations for Field Trips, Presentations, and Other Illinois Birding Events
IBET (IL Birders Exchanging Thoughts), a Google group for Illinois birders.
Find or Be a “Birding Pal” - www.birdingpal.org
Are you taking a vacation or business trip soon? Check out a really great web site called birdingpal.org, where birdwatchers can find local contacts.Chicago Area Birding Guide: where to bird in the west suburbs.
Illinois Young Birders - a birding club for kids, teens, and young adults ages 9 to 18.
Other
Wildbirds.com includes information on identifying, attracting and protecting birds, as wel as finding birds in each state. State bird checklists are available, along with articles on selecting binoculars and on wild bird photography.
Bird Note is a series of daily two-minute podcasts about birds full of fascinating information.
Peterson Online Birds, a new quality site with lots of info and links. Thanks to Chuck Williamson for creating the link.
Illinois Natural Resources Information Network, species specific information.
Cook County Forest Preserve District - Birding page includes a birding checklist, and upcoming Forest Preserve events.
Header Photo by Jerry Goldner