Michigan is home to a diverse array of bird species due to its location within major migration flyways and its variety of habitats including forests, wetlands, urban areas, and the Great Lakes shorelines. Determining the most common bird in Michigan requires analyzing data on breeding populations, migrant numbers, and species adaptability to human activity.
American Robin
The American robin is likely the most common and widespread bird species found in Michigan. Robins are found across the entire state in both rural and urban environments. According to the Michigan Breeding Bird Atlas, robins were confirmed nesting in over 90% of survey blocks statewide during atlas surveys from 2002-2011.1 Robins are adaptable to human habitats and commonly build nests on man-made structures. They thrive in lawns, parks, gardens, and agricultural areas that provide abundant food sources like earthworms and fruit.2
Michigan’s climate suits robins well as they prefer moist soils with lots of worms and open grassy areas for foraging. Robin numbers swell during spring and fall migration as populations breeding further north pass through the state. The estimated breeding population in Michigan is over 2 million pairs.3 Though they retreat from the coldest northern parts of the state in winter, large numbers of robins tough out the season in southern Michigan where food supplies are adequate.
Mourning Dove
Mourning doves are likely the second most common bird in Michigan based on their widespread distribution and large populations. They are found year-round statewide and confirmed nesting in 99% of atlas survey blocks.1 Doves adapt readily to human habitation and are common in urban and suburban yards as well as rural fields and woodland edges. Their mellow cooing is a familiar background sound in many neighborhoods.
Michigan’s generally mild climate suits mourning doves well. They feed on seeds from grasses, agricultural crops, and weeds as well as berries and insects. Doves congregate near bird feeders to glean spilled seed. Not limited by the same lack of open water as some birds, mourning doves endure Michigan winters in good numbers. Their breeding population likely exceeds 2 million pairs.3 Large migratory flocks pass through the state in spring and fall as well.
European Starling
European starlings are found throughout Michigan and inhabit diverse rural and urban habitats. They nest readily in tree cavities as well as human structures and aggressively compete with native cavity nesters. Starlings were detected in 95% of survey blocks during the bird atlas.1 Starling flocks gather where food supplies are abundant such as near livestock operations, landfills, and urban centers.
Starlings are adaptable generalists and consume fruit, grains, seeds, insects, garbage, and even small animals. Starling numbers swell enormously during fall migration, though many remain in Michigan year-round where they use thermal heat sources and food supplies in developed areas. Breeding populations likely exceed 2 million pairs.3 Though starlings are a non-native species, they now make up a major component of Michigan’s avian population.
Red-winged Blackbird
The red-winged blackbird inhabits open wetland habitats statewide and was confirmed nesting in 93% of atlas survey blocks.1 Male redwings defend breeding territories with vigorous displays and calls. These common marsh birds consume insects, grains, seeds, and fruit. Redwings roost in massive flocks outside of breeding season.
The combination of common reed marshes and agricultural wetlands provides abundant habitat for redwings in Michigan. Milder southern areas of the state support wintering flocks. Statewide breeding populations likely range from 1 to 2 million pairs.3 Additional migrants pass through during seasonal movements. Redwings are a conspicuous bird along roadsides, wetlands, and fields in both rural and urban areas.
American Goldfinch
The bright yellow males and acrobatic flight displays of American goldfinches make them easy to identify. Goldfinches nest in open habitats with herbaceous vegetation and shrubs for nest placement. They were confirmed breeding in 91% of Michigan atlas survey blocks.1 Flocks feed on thistle and wildflower seeds in fields and roadsides as well as visiting bird feeders.
Goldfinch numbers increase substantially in Michigan during spring and fall as northern breeders migrate through the state. Resident populations decline in winter as seasonal finches seek food farther south. Summer breeding populations likely fall within the 500,000 to 1 million pair range.3 Goldfinches remain fairly common winter residents, especially in southern Michigan urban areas where birdfeeders provide ample food.
Blue Jay
The noisy and colorful blue jay can be found throughout Michigan in forests, parks, suburbs, and backyards. Jays adapt readily to developed areas but require scattered trees and shrubs for nesting. They were confirmed breeding in 85% of atlas survey blocks.1 Omnivorous jays consume seeds, nuts, fruits, insects, eggs, nestlings, and small animals.
Blue jays endure cold winters by storing food in caches and taking advantage of feeders in rural and urban areas. Their numbers increase during colder months as migrants from further north descend into the state. Breeding populations likely fall between 500,000 and 1 million pairs.3 The familiar raucous calls of blue jays are a year-round background sound across much of Michigan.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the six most common bird species in Michigan based on breeding populations, migrant numbers, adaptability, and year-round presence are the American robin, mourning dove, European starling, red-winged blackbird, American goldfinch, and blue jay. These species thrive across diverse habitats from urban to rural areas. Michigan’s location in major migratory flyways and variety of habitats support abundant and diverse bird populations.
