Oklahoma is situated in the central United States and is home to many lakes, the largest being Eufaula Lake, followed closely by Lake Texoma. It also has an abundance of rivers and streams, which are characterized by their muddy or sandy substrate. The most prominent rivers within the state are the Red River and the Arkansas River, and these give rise to many streams and tributaries.
There are a variety of different wetland habitats in Oklahoma, such as riparian zones, swamps, marshes, and forested wetlands. These provide resources for many different water bird species, from the enormous trumpeter swan to the much smaller belted kingfisher.
Oklahoma Water Birds
1) American white pelican (Pelecanus erythrorhynchos)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Pelecanidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American white pelican is a huge soaring bird that can reach lengths of up to 130 – 160 cm (4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 3 in). Its wingspan is in the range of 240 – 300 cm (7 ft 10 in – 9 ft 10 in). These birds have very long necks and enormous bills, while their bodies are stout and heavy with short tails. The plumage of this bird is bright white, with black on the wings that is only visible when the bird is in flight. The bill and legs are yellowish-orange in color.
This species resides on lakes or marshes and nests on islands – during breeding season individuals may have to travel several miles to reach feeding sites. Cooperative feeding has been observed in this species, where several individuals will herd fish into shallow water and surround them, making them easier to catch. American white pelicans consume a diet of fish, crayfish, and salamanders.
Pelecanus erythrorhynchos has faced persecution by humans as it was long assumed that they were depleting fish stocks – however the species of fish they typically target are mostly unimportant to humans. Populations have also suffered due to the use of insecticides such as dieldrin.
2) Great egret (Ardea alba)
- Found across North, Central, and South America, East Europe, Africa, and North Asia (native range difficult to determine)
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The great egret is also known as the common egret or the great white heron. Individuals reach 80 – 100 cm (2 ft 7 in – 3 ft 3 in) in length, with a wingspan of 130 – 170 cm (4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 7 in). This bird has a very long, S-shaped neck, and a long, sharp, yellow bill. The plumage is entirely white, and the long legs are black.
This species can be found on marshes, ponds, and mudflats, where it forages for fish, crustaceans, amphibians, and aquatic insects. Great egrets will feed alone or in groups – research has found that group feeding yielded a greater quantity of fish per individual, but that solitary feeders tended to catch larger fish.
Male great egrets perform a courtship display to attract females. This involves them mimicking territorial behavior and performing behaviors such as bowing, stretching, and the ‘snap display’, where the head is lowered, raised, and then bobbed as the beak is simultaneously snapped together to produce a loud noise. As well as being important during courtship, this latter behavior is continued throughout the incubation of the eggs.
3) Common loon (Gavia immer)
- Native to North America
- Order: Gaviiformes
- Family: Gaviidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common loon is a diving bird that is commonly 70 – 90 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 11 in) in length, with a wingspan of 117 cm (3 ft 10 in). These birds are highly distinctive, with pointed, dagger-shaped bills and reddish eyes. Their plumage is black with regular white spots across the back, black and white stripes on the chest and throat, and a black neck and head.
Gavia immer travels through Oklahoma on its migratory journeys and primarily resides on wooded lakes. The powerful back legs of this bird allow it to dive down and search for prey such as fish, mollusks, crustaceans, and aquatic vegetation. It has been suggested that the common loon may be of benefit to sport fisheries, by removing species that compete with game fish.
During the breeding season, the common loon becomes highly territorial, producing yodeling cries, and in the event of an intruder, individuals will raise their necks and circle one another. Females usually lay two eggs, which are incubated by both parents, and the young are diving within two or three days of hatching.
4) Snow goose (Anser caerulescens)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Anser caerulescens is relatively small for a goose, reaching just 70 cm (2 ft 4 in) in length, with a wingspan of 150 cm (4 ft 11 in). This species has two color morphs, white and blue. Both morphs possess a thick neck, stout bill, and heavy body with pink legs. The blue morph is dark in coloration with a white face, while the white morph has white plumage with black wingtips that can be seen when the bird is in flight. The bill has a pattern on it that gives the goose the appearance of grinning.
This species resides on marshes, ponds, or grain fields – habitats that suit its diet of plant material such as seeds, leaves, and roots. The pecking rate on patches of vegetation is correlated with the protein content – an adaptation that allows the birds to maximize the return of their efforts with foraging.
Snow geese are one of the most numerous wintering water birds in Oklahoma. Hunting of snow geese is permitted in the state, as excessive numbers of them can cause damage to ecosystems.
5) Green heron (Butorides virescens)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The green heron is small, with a length of just 41 – 46 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 6 in) and a wingspan of 64 – 69 cm (2 ft 1 in – 2 ft 3 in). This bird has a short, stocky build, with a thick neck and a long, pointed bill. The plumage is green across the back, while the chest and neck are reddish brown. The top of the head is greenish, and the eye is orange.
Butorides virescens can be found on lakes, ponds, marshes, and swamps – it is solitary and prefers quiet areas, where it can hide amongst dense vegetation. The diet of this species consists predominantly of fish, although individuals may also feed on grasshoppers, snakes, worms, and rodents.
During the breeding season, the male selects the nesting site, and both sexes collaborate on the construction of the nest. The female lays 3 – 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents feed the young a diet of small organisms such as snails, slugs, tadpoles, and crickets.
6) American wigeon (Mareca americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American wigeon is medium-sized, reaching 42 – 59 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 11 in) in length, with a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). The plumage of breeding males is striking; the head is mottled brown and gray, with an iridescent green stripe running from the eye down the back of the neck, and a bright white crown. The body is reddish brown with a white rump and black tail feathers. In contrast, females and non-breeding males are plainer in appearance, with a brown body, grayish head, and a dark patch around the eye. All individuals have a pale gray bill with a black tip.
This species resides on marshes, lakes, and in fields. Individuals have been shown to be more vigilant when feeding on land as opposed to water – while this behavior reduces foraging efficiency, it is an essential antipredator strategy. The diet of the American wigeon is composed almost entirely of vegetation, such as pondweeds, grasses, algae, and wild celery. This bird will often steal food from its conspecifics!
7) Bufflehead (Bucephala albeola)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The bufflehead is a very small duck, with a length of just 32 – 40 cm (1 ft 1 in – 1 ft 4 in) and a wingspan of 60 cm (1 ft 12 in). Despite their small size, they have a comparatively large head, although their bill is short and flat. Female buffleheads have brown backs, paler chests, and deep brown heads with a white patch below the eye. Male buffleheads have white bodies, black backs, and iridescent green and purple heads, which have a white patch on the back.
This species can be found in lakes, rivers, and ponds, where it dives in search of aquatic insects and mollusks. Buffleheads are secondary cavity nesters, meaning that they use nest sites created by other species such as flickers – with pairs usually selecting sites within close proximity to water. Female buffleheads often return to the same nesting site that they used in previous years, where they lay 8 – 10 eggs and care for the young alone.
8) Hooded merganser (Lophodytes cucullatus)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Hooded mergansers have a very unique head shape – the presence of a crest makes the head look larger and rounder than it is, while the bill is short and thin. The male has chestnut-brown sides, a white chest, and a black back, head, and neck. The crest has a large white patch on it. Females have a gray chest, brown body, and reddish brown crest.
This species prefers wooded lakes, ponds, or rivers, as it is a cavity nester, and thus reliant on trees. When nest boxes are provided, hooded mergansers will venture into marshy areas – although it has been found that they usually select nest sites close to a body of water. Females lay 10 – 12 eggs, which she incubates alone and leads from the nest soon after hatching.
Hooded mergansers are hunted in Oklahoma; there is a bag limit of six per day. As well as hunting, this species is sensitive to environmental changes such as water conditions and abundance of food. Despite these concerns, populations are increasing.
9) Canada goose (Branta canadensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Canada geese are large, attaining lengths of 75 – 110 cm (2 ft 6 in – 3 ft 7 in), with a wingspan of 130 – 180 cm (4 ft 3 in – 5 ft 11 in). These birds have heavy bodies and long necks – males tend to be heavier than females. The plumage is the same in both sexes: a brown back and sides, paler chest, black head and neck, and a white stripe running under the chin to each cheek.
This species is adaptable and can occupy a wide range of habitats, such as lakes, marshes, fields, and urban areas. In Oklahoma, Canada geese have benefitted from urbanization, as these areas provide food, water, and shelter. However, in excessive numbers, they can be a nuisance, and residents are cautioned against feeding them to maintain their fear of humans.
The diet of Branta canadensis consists of plant material such as shoots, stems, seeds, and grains, although occasionally individuals will also consume insects or mollusks. Food availability alters during the spring, and research has found that the diet diversifies at this time, correlating with weight gain in the geese.
10) Wood duck (Aix sponsa)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The wood duck grows to 47 – 54 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 9 in) and has a wingspan of 71 – 99 cm (2 ft 4 in – 3 ft 3 in). This species has a relatively long body with a long tail, and the head is adorned with a crest. Males have a pale belly, deep brown chest and neck, a dark back, and light brown sides. Their head is iridescent green, with a white throat extending into two stripes up the face. Females are plainer in coloration, being brown with a paler head, and a white ring around the eye.
Aix sponsa can be found in swamps, rivers, and ponds that are surrounded by trees. Individuals feed on aquatic plants and seeds, as well as insects and crustaceans – breeding females rely on sources of food close to the nest, so habitat quality is important when selecting a nest site.
Nests are situated in cavities in trees, an effective antipredator strategy. However, these aren’t always readily available, so many wood ducks engage in nest parasitism. Females who have had their nests parasitized lay fewer eggs themselves, although their own eggs are more likely to hatch than those of the parasitizing female.
11) Northern pintail (Anas acuta)
- Found in North America, Europe, and Asia
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Northern pintails have a slender, elegant shape, with a long neck and pointed tail. They reach 51 – 76 cm (1 ft 8 in – 2 ft 6 in) in length and have a wingspan of 86 cm (2 ft 10 in). The plumage of breeding males is gray across the body, while the breast and throat are white, and the head is chocolate brown. Females and non-breeding males are mottled brown with paler faces. All individuals have a dark bill.
This species resides on marshes and ponds and can be found on farmland. It feeds on seeds and insects, although has also been reported to consume mollusks and crustaceans. During the breeding season, the diet consists predominantly of aquatic insects, which the ducklings also feed on.
Despite the conservation status of the northern pintail being that of least concern, populations are declining. This has been suggested to be a result of disease, over-harvesting, and predation.
12) Common merganser (Mergus merganser)
- Native to North America and Europe
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common merganser has a long body and reaches lengths of 54 – 71 cm (1 ft 9 in – 2 ft 4 in). The wingspan is around 86 cm (2 ft 10 in), and the wings have pointed tips. Males have a white body, black back, and an iridescent dark green head with a bright red bill. In contrast, females have a gray body, white chest, and rusty brown head with a shaggy crest.
The preferred habitat of this species is wooded lakes or rivers, where it feeds on fish, mussels, shrimp, and salamanders. These birds dive to hunt for their prey and will rush to an area if they see their conspecifics feeding there. Individuals rest and preen themselves in between bouts of feeding.
Females lay 8 – 11 eggs, often parasitizing other females’ nests. The young are precocial and leave the nest after just a day or two, being able to feed themselves immediately – although the female watches over them for several weeks after hatching.
13) Black-necked stilt (Himantopus mexicanus)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Unknown (insufficient data)
The black-necked stilt reaches 35 – 39 cm (1 ft 2 in – 1 ft 3 in) in length and has a wingspan of 72 – 76 cm (2 ft 4 in – 2 ft 6 in). This bird has very long, pink legs for its small size, as well as a long neck, and a straight, slender black bill. The plumage on the underside is white, while across the back and the top of the head and neck it is black.
This species can be found on grassy marshes, mudflats, and shallow lakes, where it wades in search of aquatic insects and crustaceans. When their usual prey is in short supply, black-necked stilts have been observed to scavenge on carcasses – their bills are not best suited to this type of feeding, however, the ability to exploit alternative food sources is of great benefit to the survival of these birds.
Female black-necked stilts usually lay four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. The young are precocial and able to feed themselves immediately after hatching, although the parents continue to watch over them for a few weeks. The young are incredibly vulnerable to predators, so carry out a number of antipredator strategies such as running for cover or crouching down. The adults are vigilant and will often fake an injury to divert the predator’s attention.
14) Cattle egret (Bubulcus ibis)
- Native to Africa
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The cattle egret is a relatively small member of Ardeidae, reaching 46 – 56 cm (1 ft 6 in – 1 ft 10 in) in length, with a wingspan of 88 – 96 cm (2 ft 11 in – 3 ft 2 in). The plumage of the cattle egret is pure white, although during breeding season they may have golden-colored feathers on the head and chest. The legs and bill are yellow.
As the name suggests, this species is often associated with cattle and can be found on marshes and farms. The association with cattle has been suggested to improve feeding efficiency, possibly due to the disturbance the cow causes to the vegetation, making the egret’s prey more readily available. Common prey items include beetles, crickets, butterflies, and flies, although earthworms are also consumed.
Cattle egrets tend to roost in groups – this provides them with shelter from the elements, as well as protection from predators. It has also been suggested that aggregations of birds can find food more easily.
15) Snowy egret (Egretta thula)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The snowy egret reaches 56 – 66 cm (1 ft 10 in – 2 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 100 cm (3 ft 3 in). Individuals have long, slender necks, long legs, and a long black bill. The plumage is entirely white, the legs are black, the feet yellow, and the face has a patch of yellow skin just above the bill.
Egretta thula is common throughout Oklahoma, for example, on Grand Lake. It can be found along the margins of ponds and swamps, or on marshes. This species feeds on fish, insects, and crustaceans – it has been found to vibrate its bill in the water, a behavior that attracts certain species of fish.
Females lay 3 – 5 eggs, which are incubated by both parents. Upon hatching, the young are highly dependent on their parents and do not leave the nest for 20 – 25 days, relying on the adults to bring them food. The last chick to hatch is often overlooked when it comes to feeding and may starve to death.
16) Ring-billed gull (Larus delawarensis)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Laridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The ring-billed gull earned its name due to the presence of a black ring around its yellow bill. This bird is around 43 – 54 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 9 in) in length and has a wingspan of 105 – 117 cm (3 ft 5 in – 3 ft 10 in). The underside of these birds is white, while the plumage across the back and the tops of the wings is pale gray, with black wingtips.
Larus delawarensis is one of Oklahoma’s most common water birds and can be found on lakes, in fields, and at landfill sites. This species is omnivorous, with preferred food items including insects, fish, rodents, and earthworms. When this species breeds near a body of water, it has been suggested that their diet adjusts to include greater numbers of aquatic insects.
Ring-billed gulls nest in colonies, a strategy that increases their reproductive success. Individuals that nest alone or on the periphery of colonies are less successful – this may be due to the eggs and young being more exposed to adverse weather conditions and predators.
17) Trumpeter swan (Cygnus buccinator)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The trumpeter swan is very large, with a heavy body and a long, thin neck. The total length of this bird is 138 – 158 cm (4 ft 6 in – 5 ft 2 in), and its wingspan can reach an impressive 203 cm (6 ft 8 in)! The bill is large and black in color, blending into the black face and forehead. The plumage is completely white, and the legs are black.
This species is usually only seen in Oklahoma during the winter, where it can be seen on lakes, ponds, and large rivers. Trumpeter swans feed on plant material, with research finding that they have a preference for algae and pondweed. During the winter, they may also feed on terrestrial plants and grasses.
Females lay 4 – 6 eggs, which she mostly incubates by herself, although the male may occasionally take a turn. The young are precocial and can feed themselves, although rely on the adults to protect them and lead them to suitable areas. During the breeding season, trumpeter swans have been seen to show nocturnal territorial behaviors, such as calling and aggressive displays.
18) Yellow-crowned night heron (Nyctanassa violacea)
- Native to North, Central, and South America
- Order: Pelecaniformes
- Family: Ardeidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
Yellow-crowned night herons are quite small, reaching just 60 cm (1 ft 12 in) in length, with a wingspan of around 120 cm (3 ft 11 in). In comparison with most herons, they have short necks and legs. The plumage is light gray with dark stripes on the wings, and the head is black with a white cheek and a pale yellow forehead and crest.
This species is fairly common in Oklahoma, where it can be found in streams or lowland rivers, usually in areas with plenty of tree cover. Nyctanassa violacea is a specialist feeder, consuming a diet consisting almost entirely of crustaceans such as crabs, crayfish, and shrimp. After consuming large prey, this heron has been observed to drink, presumably to aid it in swallowing.
Very little is known about the breeding behavior of the yellow-crowned night heron. It has been recorded to nest solitarily, in small groups, and even in colonies, and while nests are usually high up, some have been seen to be much closer to the ground. It seems this species is fairly adaptable in its nesting habits.
19) Belted kingfisher (Megaceryle alcyon)
- Native to North and Central America
- Order: Coraciiformes
- Family: Alcedinidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The belted kingfisher has a stout build with a large head. It typically reaches 28 – 35 cm (11 in – 1 ft 2 in) in length and has a wingspan of 48 – 58 cm (1 ft 7 in – 1 ft 11 in) – the wings have a distinctive shape, appearing to be squared off at the tip. The plumage on the wings, back, head, and chest is dark blue-gray, while the underside and neck are white. Females can be distinguished from males due to a rusty-colored band on the belly.
This species can be found along streams and flying over lakes, where it perches over the water, ready to dive down and capture fish. Individuals have also been reported to feed on crayfish, frogs, tadpoles, and aquatic insects.
During the breeding season, the habitat needs of belted kingfishers become highly specific, as they require vertical banks in which to construct their nests. Males bring females fish as part of their courtship. It is thought that this allows the female to assess the male’s knowledge of the area and decide whether to pair with him or not.
20) American avocet (Recurvirostra americana)
- Native to North America
- Order: Charadriiformes
- Family: Recurvirostridae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The American avocet is a relatively large wading bird that reaches 43 – 47 cm (1 ft 5 in – 1 ft 7 in) in length. It has a wingspan of 72 cm (2 ft 4 in), and its legs and neck are long, giving it an elegant appearance. This bird has a white body, with two black stripes on each wing, while the legs are blue-gray. The head and neck are a rusty color during the breeding season, fading to gray for the rest of the year.
This species resides in shallow lakes and ponds, often in areas with very little vegetation. Individuals feed by dipping the tip of their bill in the water, using it to filter out small crustaceans and aquatic insects. They have also been observed grabbing passing flying insects.
American avocets can be found throughout Oklahoma and are known to breed in the northwest of the state. These birds are ground nesters, and females usually lay four eggs. Both sexes incubate the eggs and monitor the young, although they are precocial and able to find their own food soon after hatching.
21) Common goldeneye (Bucephala clangula)
- Native to North America
- Order: Anseriformes
- Family: Anatidae
- Conservation status: Least concern
The common goldeneye reaches 40 – 51 cm (1 ft 4 in – 1 ft 8 in) in length and has a wingspan of 77 – 83 cm (2 ft 6 in – 2 ft 9 in). This bird has a large head with a small bill. In the male, the body and sides are white, while the back is black, and the head is dark with an iridescent sheen and a white patch on the cheek. Females are dark gray on the back and sides, while their head is brown.
This species resides on wooded lakes or rivers. The presence of woodland is essential, as females nest in holes excavated by woodpeckers – individuals have also been found to prefer nest sites in close proximity to the water, presumably for ease of obtaining food, and to reduce the risk to young when moving them from the nest site to the water.
The common goldeneye has an incredibly varied diet, including crustaceans, mollusks, fishes, frogs, leeches, and aquatic insects. It forages by diving, often with whole groups within a flock diving simultaneously.
