Wildlife and nature in Illinois
Prairies, wetlands, woodlands, and migratory birds
Illinois combines prairie heritage with rivers, wetlands, lakeshores, and woodland habitats, offering family nature experiences that range from bird migration corridors to local parks and river landscapes.
Sightings
723
Places
19
Species
66
Latest Sightings
Recent sightings in Illinois
A recent look at wildlife sightings across Illinois.
Sightings Map
See where snaps are happening
Start wide, then zoom in to see how snaps spread across Illinois.
Places to Start
Parks, reserves, and local nature spots
Good starting points if you want to turn Illinois' guide into an actual day out.
Illinois, US
Humboldt (Alexander Von) Park
You might spot Wood Duck, Red-Winged Blackbird, and Mallard.
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Illinois, US
River Park
You might spot Mallard, American Robin, and Black-Crowned Night Heron.
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Illinois, US
Northerly Island
You might spot Canada Goose, Ring-Billed Gull, and Red-Winged Blackbird.
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Illinois, US
Jackson Park
You might spot Great Blue Heron and American Herring Gull.
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Illinois, US
Brookfield Zoo
You might spot Ursus Maritimus, Ursus Arctos, and American Bison.
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Illinois, US
Cosley Zoo
You might spot Red Fox, Equus Africanus Asinus, and Western Barn Owl.
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Popular Species
Popular species in Illinois
A quick look at the species showing up most often in sightings across Illinois.
Category Guides
Check out our category guides for Illinois
Browse birds, wildflowers, and bugs of Illinois.
Birds
Birding in Illinois
Browse birdlife, migration patterns, shoreline species, and the birds people are most likely to notice across Illinois.
444 Sightings36 Species
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Flowers
Flowers in Illinois
Follow native blooms, seasonal colour, and wildflower-rich places across Illinois.
12 Sightings5 Species
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Bugs
Bugs in Illinois
Focus on butterflies, bees, beetles, and other small species that make close-up exploring in Illinois feel richer.
136 Sightings9 Species
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