The seagull is one of the most likely birds to be found in Michigan.
The large swaths of arboreal forests, rich grasslands and freshwater shores make Michigan a prime habitat for a diverse number of bird species. Just about all the common types of bird and a few unique ones populate the state. A good source of information on birds in the state is the Michigan Audubon.
Waterfowl
Michigan is rich with waterfowl, including the common mallard, which has a green head and dark back, and its close associate the American black duck, which has a much darker body. The wood duck is also similar. It has multicolored plumage and unique white markings, and when it swims it bobs its head back and forth in a jerking motion. Michigan contains a number of geese such as the Canada goose and cackling goose, both of which have a black head and white chinstrap.
Birds of Prey
Michigan is home to both the bald eagle and golden eagle, which come to the state to roost during the winter, but many Michigan hawks--such as the broad-winged hawk--are closely related to eagles. The large stature, hooked beak and mottled plumage of the hawks make them easy to spot. Other birds of prey in the state include the osprey, which has a broad wingspan and black and white markings; a number of falcons, which have hooked beaks and sickle-shaped wings; fork-tailed kites; and a few vultures.
Aquatic Birds
Loons are a type of aquatic bird; the standard common loon can be identified by a sharp beak, red eyes and black body. The double-crested cormorant also has a black body, but it has an orange chin and softer features. Herons such as the great blue heron can be identified by their long stilted feet, long curving neck and slender bill. Pelicans such as the brown pelican are similar but have a longer beak and a throat pouch. Cranes (sandhill and whooping) also have long legs but a more upright posture. Michigan also is home to a vast number of gulls and terns, which are long-bodied and sharp-beaked, and live near shores of the Great Lakes.
Owls and Game Fowl
Michigan has a robust population of owls, including the pale, implacable, dour-faced barn owl; the small, stocky, broad-winged eastern screech owl; and the immense great horned owl, which has feather tufts for ears. Game birds, on the other hand, are primarily tethered to the ground. The wild turkey is identified by the fleshy growth on its head. Both the grouse and pheasant have similar body types to the turkey. The grouse is built like a chicken and lives mostly in the forest. The one pheasant in the state, the ring-necked pheasant, has a white ring around its neck.
Small Birds
Sparrows are identified by their small, plump bodies, stubby beaks and short tails. They include the fox sparrow, American tree sparrow and vesper sparrow. Finches are similar to sparrows and have stubbier beaks, but finches are diverse and should be approached as individual species. Michigan has two pigeon species, rock and band-tailed, and a number of doves, which have stout bodies, short necks and slender fleshy beaks. Woodpeckers can be identified by their slender build, sharp beaks, diverse colors and the sound they make as they tap the bark of a tree. Warblers are small birds that have very rounded bodies and short necks. Michigan also contains the blackbird, blue jay, cardinal and oriole.
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