Birds of Delaware: A Birder’s Guide to the First State

Delaware may be small, but for birders, it’s a giant. Wedged between the Atlantic Coast and the rich estuaries of the Delaware Bay, this state is a welcome mat for migratory species and a permanent home for its year-round residents. Delaware is not only about tax-free shopping, it’s packed with all the winged goodies needed to make it an attractive birding destination. Time to bring your binoculars and get to bagging some first sightings.

In this guide, we’ll break down the habitats, highlight the must-see species, and offer insider tips to help you get the most out of birding in Delaware. Whether you’re brand new to birdwatching or an old pro, Delaware has something waiting for you.

Why Delaware Is a Birding Hotspot

Think of Delaware as the birding world’s version of Grand Central Station. Its geography funnels migratory birds along the Atlantic Flyway, making it one of the most productive birding states in the country despite its size. The Delaware Bay, in particular, is a globally important stopover for shorebirds that rely on horseshoe crab eggs to refuel during spring migration.

In fact, the bay’s ecological importance is so pronounced that it has been designated a Western Hemisphere Shorebird Reserve Network site. That’s a fancy way of saying: if you want to witness one of the most breathtaking bird spectacles on the planet, Delaware should be on your list.

Curious about the best gear to help you spot the rare species on your list? Read our article on the best birding binoculars.

Delaware’s Bird Habitats

The secret to Delaware’s birding richness is the state’s habitat diversity. Here’s what you’ll find:

1. Coastal Beaches and Marshes

• Prime Hook National Wildlife Refuge and Bombay Hook National Wildlife Refuge are legendary among birders. Think vast salt marshes, tidal flats, and shallow pools teeming with shorebirds, herons, and waterfowl.
• During migration season (March to June for spring, August through the end of November for winter), be on the lookout for Red Knots, Dunlins, and Black-bellied Plovers.
• Summer brings elegant Black Skimmers and nesting Least Terns.

2. Forests and Woodlands

• Delaware’s inland forests support a wealth of warblers, thrushes, and woodpeckers.
• White Clay Creek State Park is a hotspot for woodland species like the Wood Thrush and Scarlet Tanager.

3. Open Fields and Farmlands

• Hawks and owls love these spaces. Winter often brings Snowy Owls and Rough-legged Hawks to Delaware’s farm fields.
• Grassland birds like Eastern Meadowlarks and Bobolinks can also be spotted in summer.

4. Rivers and Freshwater Lakes

• Freshwater bodies attract species like the Osprey, Belted Kingfisher, and an array of ducks.
• Look for Wood Ducks in wooded swamps and Ring-necked Ducks in larger ponds during migration.

5. Urban and Suburban Areas

• Don’t overlook your backyard. Feeders and native plantings can draw Downy Woodpeckers, American Goldfinches, and Ruby-throated Hummingbirds in summer.
• Delaware’s towns often host nesting Peregrine Falcons.

Birds of Delaware: The Key Species

Year-Round Residents

• Northern Cardinal – Found in backyards, thickets, and woodland edges. Known for its clear, whistled “cheer-cheer-cheer” call. Cardinals love sunflower seeds and berries, and males are easy to spot with their striking red plumage and black face mask.

Tip: Read on up the best bird seed for cardinals to attract them to your backyard 

• Red-tailed Hawk – Common along highways, open fields, and forest edges. Its raspy, descending scream is often used in movies to represent any raptor. They primarily hunt rodents and small mammals, soaring on broad wings with a distinctive brick-red tail.
• Carolina Chickadee – Occupies woodlands, parks, and backyard feeders. Their classic “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call gives them their name. They eat seeds, insects, and suet, and can be distinguished by their black cap and bib with white cheeks.
• Tufted Titmouse – Often seen in mixed flocks with chickadees. Their loud “peter-peter-peter” song carries through the forest. These small birds enjoy sunflower seeds, insects, and acorns, and sport a cute gray crest.

Spring and Summer Visitors

• Prothonotary Warbler – Prefers wooded swamps and flooded forests. Its loud, ringing “sweet-sweet-sweet” song is unmistakable. They forage on insects and spiders near water, and their glowing golden plumage makes them easy to pick out.
• Osprey – Found near rivers, bays, and lakes. Their high-pitched whistles are common over marshes. Ospreys are fish specialists, often seen plunging feet-first into the water. They’re distinguished by their dark eye stripe and long, angled wings.
• Eastern Kingbird – Perches conspicuously on fence posts and wires. Their sharp, sputtering calls can be heard as they hawk insects midair. They feed primarily on flying insects and are recognized by their black back, white underside, and white tail tip.
• Yellow-breasted Chat – Lives in dense thickets and shrubby fields. Their bizarre mix of whistles, cackles, and clucks sets them apart. They eat insects and berries, and males display with wing-fluttering flights while flashing their brilliant yellow chest.

Fall and Winter Visitors

• Snow Goose – Winters in vast flocks at Bombay Hook. Their honking calls echo across the marshes. They graze on grasses and grains, forming massive “snowstorms” of white and blue morphs in flight.
• Dark-eyed Junco – Found in woodlands, fields, and backyards during winter. Their high-pitched twittering and sharp “tzeet” calls are common. They feed on seeds scattered on the ground and are easily recognized by their slate-gray body and white belly.
• Long-tailed Duck – Seen offshore in winter. Their yodeling calls are unique and carry over open water. They dive for crustaceans and mollusks, with long tail feathers and bold black-and-white plumage setting them apart.
• Short-eared Owl – Hunts low over grasslands and marshes at dawn and dusk. Their barks and hoots are less often heard, but their floppy, moth-like flight is distinctive. They feed on small mammals and can be identified by their round facial disk and small ear tufts.

Migratory Marvels Amongst the Birds of Delaware

• Red Knot – A superstar of Delaware Bay, where they stop to gorge on horseshoe crab eggs in May. Their soft, piping calls can be heard in flocks. They migrate thousands of miles and can be identified by their brick-red breeding plumage.
• Black Skimmer – Found along coastal lagoons and beaches. Their nasal “yak-yak” calls sound harsh and unique. They skim the water’s surface with their elongated lower bill, and their black-and-white plumage with orange bill makes them unmistakable.
• Warblers – Species like the Magnolia, Yellow, and Black-throated Blue Warblers stream through Delaware in spring. Each has unique songs: trills, buzzes, and whistles. They forage on insects high in the canopy and show dazzling patterns of yellow, black, and blue.
• Sharp-shinned Hawk – Best seen at migration points like Cape Henlopen. Their sharp “kik-kik-kik” calls are given near nests. These small hawks specialize in hunting songbirds and are distinguished by their short, rounded wings and long, narrow tail.

Field Guide to the Birds of Delaware 

Here’s a handy reference chart to help you identify some of Delaware’s key species:

What Is the State Bird of Delaware?

The Delaware Blue Hen (yes, a chicken!) is the official state bird. While it may not grace your binocular view during a marshland hike, it has deep cultural and historical ties to the state. The Blue Hen became famous during the Revolutionary War, when Delaware soldiers were nicknamed “Blue Hen’s Chickens” for their fighting spirit. Today, it remains a proud state symbol—and even serves as the mascot of the University of Delaware.

For birders, this fact is a fun reminder that the First State’s relationship with birds goes far beyond what’s perched in the treetops.

Best Birding Locations in Delaware

1. Bombay Hook NWR – An absolute pilgrimage site for waterfowl and shorebird enthusiasts.
2. Prime Hook NWR – Similar riches with fewer crowds.
3. Cape Henlopen State Park – Perfect for songbird migration, raptors, and seabirds.
4. White Clay Creek State Park – Warblers, thrushes, and a good chance for rarities.
5. Delaware Seashore State Park – Great for terns, gulls, and migrating shorebirds.
6. Ashland Nature Center – A hub for environmental education and excellent birding trails.
7. Trap Pond State Park – Known for its bald cypress swamp, great for Prothonotary Warblers.

Seasonal Birding Calendar in Delaware

• January–February: Raptors, waterfowl, owls. Look for Snowy Owls in farm fields.
• March–April: Early migrants like Eastern Phoebe and Pine Warbler arrive.
• May: Peak warbler migration. Red Knots blanket the Delaware Bay.
• June–July: Breeding season. Watch Ospreys on nesting platforms.
• August–September: Shorebird migration picks up again.
• October–November: Raptors and sparrows move through. Ducks return in force.
• December: Huge flocks of Snow Geese and Christmas Bird Counts.

Tips for Birding Delaware Like a Pro

• Timing matters: Spring and fall migration are peak times. For shorebirds, late May is unbeatable.
• Bring a scope: The vast marshes at Bombay Hook practically demand one.

Read up on the best spotting scopes for birding to head to the First State well equipped. 

Happy birding!