26 Birds That Spend Their Winters in Utah

Utah features a widely diverse landscape, ranging from snow-capped mountains to arid deserts. In the wintertime, the state provides a haven for various birds. Here are 26 birds that spend the winter in Utah.

1. American Dipper (Cinclus mexicanus)

This small, gray-brown bird is a master of cold water and spends its winter diving under icy streams throughout Utah. With waterproof feathers and a distinctive white eyelid, it bobs and dips along stream beds foraging for insects.

2. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)

A majestic symbol of freedom, bald eagles migrate to Utah in winter to feast on fish in open water. They’re known for their striking white head and dark brown body.

3. Black-Billed Magpie (Pica hudsonia)

This intelligent bird features a long, black, and white tail, a common sight in Utah’s urban areas all year.

4. Bohemian Waxwing (Bombycilla garrulus)

The Bohemian Waxwing is a sleek and crested bird with a unique brown and silky yellow plumage blend—this bird flocks to Utah in the winter to feed on berries and fruit.

5. Common Raven (Corvus corax)

Known for its varied vocalizations and problem-solving abilities, ravens thrive in a range of environments — from wilderness to urban areas.

6. Dark-Eyed Junco (Junco hyemalis)

This small, gray sparrow features a white belly and black head. Recognized for its distinct “snowbird” appearance, it’s a common winter visitor to Utah backyards.

7. Eurasian Collared Dove (Streptopelia decaocto)

A relative newcomer to North America, this beautiful dove features a soft, gray plumage and a distinctive black “collar” on its neck. It has become a common resident in Utah and can be found in urban areas.

8. Golden Eagle (Aquila chrysaetos)

This powerful predator features golden-brown plumage and an impressive wingspan. And in winter, it soars high above the Utah mountains, searching for prey such as rabbits and small mammals.

9. Gray Jay (Perisoreus canadensis)

The Gray Jay is a bold, gray bird with a white head and soft gray feathers. During Utah winters, you can find this bird begging for food from skiers in the mountains.

10. Roadrunner (Geococcyx californianus)

This long-legged bird is a resident of Utah’s desert areas, running after lizards and snakes across the arid landscape. It’s known for its ability to run at speeds up to 26 miles per hour.

11. House Finch (Haemorhous mexicanus)

The house finch is a cheerful, red-breasted bird that’s a common sight in urban areas. Recognized for its cheerful song, this bird can adapt to various human habitats.

12. Mountain Chickadee (Poecile gambeli)

This small gray bird is a high-altitude specialist. With a black cap and white face, this charming bird is a vocal resident of coniferous forests.

13. Northern Flicker (Colaptes auratus)

The northern flicker is a large, woodpecker-like bird with a spotted breast. You may be able to spot one in your backyard, foraging for insects on trees and lawns.

14. Pine Siskin (Spinus pinus)

This small, streaky brown bird is known for its lively and social behavior. Most comfortable with its flock, the Pine Siskin is nomadic, traveling through multiple habitats throughout the year.

15. Red-Tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)

The majestic raptor is one of the many birds of prey that nest in Utah during the winter. Its vivid red tail feathers make the red-tailed hawk easy to spot. You can often find them hunting along open fields and roadsides.

16. Rock Dove (Columba livia)

Commonly known as a pigeon, this familiar urban bird comes in a diverse range of colors. Recognized for its cooing calls and city-dwelling habits, pigeons often make a home for themselves in Utah’s larger metro areas.

17. Rough-Legged Hawk (Buteo lagopus)

Named for its feathered legs, this large, brown hawk can be identified by its white belly and dark wingtips. It migrates to Utah from the Arctic in winter to hunt small rodents.

18. Steller’s Jay (Cyanocitta stelleri)

The Steller’s jay features beautiful blue and black plumage. It is a common resident of mountain forests like those in northern Utah.

19. Townsend’s Solitaire (Myadestes townsendi)

Its gray plumage and distinct eye ring can recognize this gray thrush. With a black head and rusty sides, it’s a solitary bird that frequents coniferous forests.

20. Turkey Vulture (Cathartes aura)

The turkey vulture is a large, black vulture with a bald red head and a keen sense of smell. Often seen riding thermal currents, these vultures play a vital role in cleaning up carrion in diverse landscapes.

21. White-Throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis)

This small, gray sparrow features a white throat and stripes over its eyes. It’s known for its clear, melodious song and is often found in shrubby areas.

22. Common Redpoll (Acanthis flammea)

The common redpoll is a small finch with a red cap and streaked feathers. With the ability to tough it out in harsh climates, it easily endures even the coldest of Utah winters.

23. Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus)

This large, yellow finch is named for its distinctive beak. With a black head and colorful wings, these birds are easy to spot by their vivid colors against the white snow of winter.

24. Pine Grosbeak (Pinicola enucleator)

The pine grosbeak is a large and gentle finch with rosy-red feathers. Found in northern forests, these birds are nomadic, migrating for conifer seeds.

25. Clark’s Nutcracker (Nucifraga columbiana)

This medium-sized songbird is a resident of coniferous forests in the high-altitude mountains of Utah. It has a remarkable memory and ability to store large quantities of seeds.

26. Northern Shrike (Lanius borealis)

The northern shrike is a small, predatory songbird that visits Utah in the winter. Migrating south from the Arctic, it is known for aggressive behavior, like impaling its prey on thorns or barbed wire.

Summary of 26 Birds That Spend Winter in Utah

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