The People

The People

WHO is an ornithologist?
YOU are an ornithologist!

If you enjoy the wild birds of Iowa, then you are one of us! No degrees, no training, no experience required.

The Birds

The Birds

432 species of birds on the state checklist

212 of these are breeding birds.

The Places

The Places

From the grasslands and
prairies to the deciduous forests

Our land between the Mississippi and Missouri has a variety of habitats. Our county birding guide will give you some good ideas of the best places to go birding.

News

Notable Birds from eBird

 

IOU Listserv

The IOU uses Google Groups for its mail list of interesting observations and announcements. You can view it on-line, use the app, or simply join the group to receive email messages as they are posted.

Subscribe to the IA-BIRD Group

Upcoming Events

  • 12/14/2024
    Fayette CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Cedar Rapids CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Burlington CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Sioux City CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Southeast Webster County CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Bremer County CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Ames CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Grinnell CBC
    Details
  • 12/14/2024
    Decorah CBC
    Details
  • 12/15/2024
    Iowa City CBC
    Details
  • 12/15/2024
    Saylorville Reservoir CBC
    Details
  • 12/15/2024
    Desoto NWR CBC
    Details
  • 12/15/2024
    Davenport CBC
    Details
  • 12/16/2024
    Keokuk CBC
    Details
  • 12/17/2024
    Princeton-Camanche CBC
    Details
  • 12/17/2024
    Jamaica CBC
    Details
  • 12/18/2024
    Union Slough NWR CBC
    Details
  • 12/18/2024
    Clinton-Savanna CBC
    Details
  • 12/19/2024
    Northeast Madison County CBC
    Details
  • 12/19/2024
    Yellow River Forest CBC
    Details
  • 12/19/2024
    Louisa Y CBC
    Details
  • 12/20/2024
    Rathbun Reservoir CBC
    Details
  • 12/20/2024
    Eldora-Union CBC
    Details
  • 12/20/2024
    Green Island/Lost Mound CBC
    Details
  • 12/21/2024
    Des Moines CBC
    Details
  • 12/21/2024
    Lamoni CBC
    Details
  • 12/21/2024
    Muscatine CBC
    Details
  • 12/21/2024
    Cedar Falls-Waterloo CBC
    Details
  • 12/21/2024
    Mason City CBC
    Details
  • 12/22/2024
    Red Rock Reservoir CBC
    Details
  • 12/22/2024
    Humboldt County CBC
    Details
  • 12/22/2024
    Ida County CBC
    Details
  • 12/23/2024
    Western Mercer County CBC
    Details
  • 12/24/2024
    Andalusia-Buffalo CBC
    Details
  • 12/28/2024
    North Linn CBC
    Details
  • 12/28/2024
    Sac County CBC
    Details
  • 12/28/2024
    Dubuque CBC
    Details
  • 12/28/2024
    Shelby County CBC
    Details
  • 12/28/2024
    Boone County CBC
    Details
  • 12/29/2024
    Ringgold County CBC
    Details
  • 1/2/2025
    Buchanan County CBC
    Details
  • 1/3/2025
    Northwest Clayton County CBC
    Details
  • 1/4/2025
    Neal Smith NWR CBC
    Details
  • 1/4/2025
    Southeast Clayton County CBC
    Details
  • 5/16/2025
    Spring IOU Conference - South Sioux City, NE
    Next Meeting Details

Additional IOU Resources

Iowa Bird Records

Iowa Bird Records

 

The Iowa Records Committee evaluates reports of rare birds and maintains a repository of evidence of these observations. Report your sightings and explore the species reported over the years.

Ann Barker

Ann Barker Memorial Library

 

Digitized issues of Iowa Bird Life since it's inception in 1931. This library was made available through the bequest of former president Ann Barker.

BBA

Breeding Bird Atlas II

 

The results of Iowa's second Breeding Bird Atlas which was conducted 2008-2012. Read about changes in status and compare data from the first atlas (1985-1990).

IBA

Important Bird Areas

 

A program of Iowa Audubon, the Important Bird Areas are monitored through data collected by IOU members.

Elementary Activities

Activities About Birds - Elementary

 

A collection of educational activities for students, teachers, and parents.

Avian Archives

Avian Archives of Iowa Online

 

The IOU's history is stored at Iowa State's Parks Library Special Collections and has been digitized for review.