Birding Guide for South Dakota
Prairies, badlands, hills, and iconic wildlife
Birding highlights, common sightings, and the best places to look for birds in South Dakota. Use the highlight list to start quickly, then work through the full guide for a broader local view.
Sightings
50
Species
17
Active Months
12
Category Overview
Birds across South Dakota
This guide focuses on birdlife within South Dakota's wider region guide, helping families explore common sightings, shoreline birds, forest species, and the places where birding is easier to begin.
Latest Sightings
Recent bird sightings in South Dakota
A recent look at bird sightings across South Dakota.
Sightings Map
See where bird sightings cluster
Start wide, then zoom in to see where bird sightings cluster across South Dakota.
Top Highlights
Top 5 birds to see in South Dakota
These birds are snapped the most across this region.
Places to Start
Best places for birding in South Dakota
These place guides connect well with the birds covered in this region.
South Dakota, US
Indian Creek Recreation Area
You might spot Mourning Dove, Turkey Vulture, and Woodhouse's Toad.
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South Dakota, US
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
You might spot Least Chipmunk and Rocky Mountains Ponderosa Pine.
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South Dakota, US
Jewel Cave National Monument
You might spot Bighorn Sheep and Narrow-Leaved Purple Coneflower.
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South Dakota, US
Waubay National Wildlife Refuge
You might spot Northern Leopard Frog and Red-Winged Blackbird.
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South Dakota, US
Dinosaur Park
You might spot Scarlet Globemallow, Leadplant, and Yellow Salsify.
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South Dakota, US
Lake Hiddenwood Recreation Area
You might spot Prairie Pasqueflower and Common Buckthorn.
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Full Guide
Full South Dakota birds list
The complete ranked list for this guide, ordered by sightings count.
American Robin
Dark-eyed Junco
Vulture
Bald Eagle
Northern Flicker
Canada Goose
Ring-necked Pheasant
American Crow
Barn Swallow
Blackpoll Warbler
Cedar Waxwing
Double-crested Cormorant
Duck
Red-winged Blackbird
Ring-billed Gull
Tree Swallow
Turkey
Other Guides
Keep exploring South Dakota
Switch from birding to flowers and bugs for a broader view of South Dakota's wildlife and nature.
