Alabama Birding Trails  Alabama is a birding paradise. Forests, mountains, meadows, swamps, and beaches dot the landscape, creating a plethora of avian habitats. From the majestic bald eagle, symbol of our nation's heritage, to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker, to the crowd-pleasing painted bunting, over 400 species of birds grace the blue skies above Alabama.
Feathery friends welcome you to many sites. The number and variety of birds you can see at each location will vary by season and weather conditions, making each birding expedition a new adventure. So grab your binoculars, brush up on your bird-calling skills, and wing it to Alabama. It's for the birds!
Available Trail Regions
Three regions within the State of Alabama currently offer a professionally developed birding trail system which includes directional signage, interpretive panels, kiosks, walking trails, observation towers, visitor guides and maps. The coastal region offers an annual festival in October, the Alabama Coastal BirdFest, and features activities that can be enjoyed by both the avid birder and the amateur seeking an outdoor weekend getaway.
North Alabama Birding Trail
Follow the Kingfisher to 50 sites across North Alabama selected for their bird watching characteristics. The diversity of habitats are as plentiful as the species of birds and other watchable wildlife found on and around the Tennessee River, grasslands, valleys and forest.
Black Belt Nature and Heritage Trail
The name highlights the region of Alabama named for its rich black soil which grew not only superior cotton, but a memorable legacy. The terrain formed by the meanderings of the Black Warrior, Tombigbee and Alabama rivers is home to numerous species of flora, birds, and other wildlife. Explore the biologically diverse state parks and other natural habitats.
Alabama Coastal Birding Trail
Looping around delta bottomlands, Mobile Bay, and the sandy terrain bordering the Gulf of Mexico, this trail highlights 50 of the most frequented birding spots. The trail region is an important stopover for Spring and Fall neotropical migrants.
New Trail Developments
The Alabama Tourism Department has recognized a need to provide wildlife enthusiasts with an experience throughout the state and has iniitated the Alabama Birding Trails development project. With the addition of the following new trails, a total of eight diverse geographic regions will afford ecotourists a unified and comprehensive, state-wide trail system designed to be educational, informative and most of all, enjoyable. Completion is scheduled for Fall 2011. View the Project Fact Sheet.
West Alabama Birding Trail -- planning phase
Encompassing nine counties located in northwest central part of the state, this region will offer birding opportunities in areas such as the Talladega National Firest, Lake Lurleen State Park, Sipsey River Swamp, and Moundville Archaeological Park.
Appalachian Highlands Birding Trail -- planning phase
Logan Martin Lake and the Coosa River should provide great birding experiences along with Cheaha State Park, Oak Mountain State Park and many other sites scattered throughout this ten county region located in the northeast central section.
Piedmont Plateau Birding Trail -- planning phase
Found in the eastern central section of Alabama, the Piedmont consists of low hills, ridges, and sandy valleys. There are eight counties which offer great wildlife experiences such as Cheaha State Park (Alabama's highest point), Lake Martin, Fort Toulouse National Historic Park, and many others worthy of a visit.
Pineywoods Birding Trail -- development phase
Much of this region is considered a birding crossroads because it lies near the southern most breeding range for many species and the northern limits for coastal species. Located in southwest Alabama and covering five counties, look for diverse species whose natural habitat include longleaf pines, rivers, pitcher plant bogs, and farmland. Areas of significance include Conecuh National Forest, St. Stephens Historical Park, Little River State Forest and Claiborne Lake Dam.
Wiregrass Birding Trail -- planning phase
So named because tough grass once grew among pine forest, this ten county region is nestled in the southeastern part of Alabama. Some of the best birding can be found in the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge based on 281 documented species. Other ares of distinction are "Buzzard Roost", Troy University Nature Trail, Lake Point Lake, and the Chattahoochee River.
Alabama Birding Trails Map
This map shows the different trail locations across the state.
Other Alabama Birding Pages:
Alabama Birding Information
Everyday birds of Alabama, Alabama's state bird, bird banding.
Winging it by Water: Cruising for Birds
For a unique birding experience, climb aboard a boat to explore Alabama's rivers, swamps, and bays. Birders can literally get off the beaten path and look for ospreys, pelicans, blue herons, egrets, and other wading birds in their natural aquatic habitat.
American Birding Association's Code of Birding Ethics
Everyone who enjoys birds and birding must always respect wildlife, its environment, and the rights of others. In any conflict of interest between birds and birders, the welfare of the birds and their environment comes first.
Alabama Birding Resources
Web sites, books and organizations.
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