Wetland Birds You Can See near Seattle

Seattle’s diverse wetland ecosystems provide the perfect habitat for a wide range of bird species. From shorelines to marshes to mudflats and more, these birds thrive in the region’s nutrient-rich environment, making Seattle an excellent destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. 

With many of our luxury Seattle apartments located just steps from the waters of Lake Union, Lake Washington and Lake Sammamish, you’ll have no problem at all laying eyes on some of the state’s wetland avian wonders.  

Grab your camera and your binoculars, folks — here are just a few of some wetland birds you can spot in and around the city!

9 common wetland birds you can spot around Seattle

Long-billed dowitcher

The long-billed dowitcher is a medium-sized shorebird known for its long, straight bill and distinctive sewing-machine-like feeding motion. Found in mudflats, marshes and shallow wetlands all over the coastal PNW, these birds probe deep into the soft soil in search of insects, crustaceans and mollusks. They migrate long distances between their breeding grounds in the Arctic and their wintering habitats along the southern U.S. coast and Central America — though while they’re hanging out here in the Seattle area, you can often find them in freshwater wetlands and estuaries.

Double-crested cormorant

The double-crested cormorant is a large, dark water bird frequently seen along Seattle’s waterfront. Recognizable by its orange-yellow facial skin and hooked bill, this species is an expert diver that uses its webbed feet to propel itself underwater in pursuit of fish. 

Unlike many waterfowl, cormorants have less waterproofing on their feathers, which is why they can often be seen perched with their wings spread out to dry! These slick hunters are year-round residents in Seattle and commonly nest on rocky islands and pilings.

Bald eagle

As the national bird of the United States, the bald eagle is one of the most iconic birds in the Seattle region. With a striking white head, a dark brown body and a wingspan of up to seven-and-a-half feet (no joke!), these powerful raptors can often be spotted soaring over lakes, rivers and coastal areas in search of fish. Bald eagles were once endangered but have made a remarkable comeback, thriving in the Pacific Northwest thanks to conservation efforts. They are particularly abundant around Lake Washington and the Puget Sound region.

Killdeer

The killdeer is a small, plover-like shorebird with a distinctive black-and-white banded chest and a high-pitched, repetitive call. Unlike many other wetland birds, killdeer are often found in open fields, mudflats and even urban areas! They are known for their dramatic “broken-wing” display, which they use to lure predators away from their ground-based nests. Killdeer are year-round residents in Seattle, often seen foraging in shallow wetlands and along shorelines.

Northern harrier

The northern harrier is a medium-sized hawk with a distinctive owl-like facial disc that helps it detect prey by sound. These raptors are commonly seen gliding low over marshes and grasslands, hunting for small mammals and birds. Unlike other hawks, they rely heavily on their sense of hearing to locate food. Northern harriers migrate seasonally, with some populations residing in Seattle year-round and others traveling south during the winter months. Look for them in open wetlands such as the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.

Great blue heron

One of the most recognizable wetland birds in the Pacific Northwest, the great blue heron is a tall, stately wader with a long neck and dagger-like bill. These birds are skilled hunters, standing motionless in shallow waters before striking swiftly to catch fish, amphibians and small mammals. They nest in large colonies known as rookeries, often located in trees near wetlands. The great blue heron is a year-round resident in Seattle, frequently seen in marshes, tidal flats and along lake shores.

Spotted towhee

The spotted towhee is a striking songbird with black upperparts, white spots on its wings and a warm reddish-orange belly (plus vibrant red eyes that stare deep, deep into your soul).

While not exclusively a wetland bird, spotted towhees are commonly found in shrubby habitats near wetlands, where they forage in leaf litter for insects, seeds and berries — they are well-known for their energetic scratching behavior while kicking up debris in search of food. Towhees are year-round residents in Seattle and can be heard singing their distinctive “drink-your-tea” song in parks and nature reserves.

Black oystercatcher

A true Pacific coastal bird, the black oystercatcher is a striking shorebird with all-black plumage, a bright red-orange bill and pink legs. Found along rocky shorelines, these birds use their strong beaks to pry open shellfish such as mussels and barnacles for food. 

Unlike many other shorebirds, black oystercatchers do not migrate long distances and are year-round residents of the Pacific Northwest. They can often be seen along Puget Sound’s rocky beaches, including areas near the Olympic Peninsula.

Where to see wetland birds in Seattle

Seattle offers several excellent locations for birdwatching, where visitors can see many of the species mentioned above. 

The Washington Park Arboretum Waterfront Trail is a prime spot for spotting great blue herons, bald eagles and other wetland birds as you walk through lush wetlands and along the shores of Lake Washington. For being right in the heart of the city, you’ll feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere!

For anyone looking for a longer excursion, the Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge south of Seattle is a haven for birdwatchers, featuring boardwalks that wind through marshes and tidal flats where northern harriers and long-billed dowitchers can often be seen.

Closer to the city, the Union Bay Natural Area near the University of Washington provides a mix of wetlands and open water, attracting a variety of waterfowl and shorebirds.

For a more coastal birding experience, head to Discovery Park, where visitors can spot black oystercatchers along the rocky shoreline or watch bald eagles soaring overhead. Whether you're an avid birder or just enjoy a peaceful walk in nature, Seattle’s wetlands provide a rich and diverse bird watching experience.

Whether you’re an avid birder or just getting into the world of birdwatching, Seattle’s wetlands and shores are the perfect places to lay eyes on some of the region’s most common feathered friends. 

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All photos are the courtesy of nature photographer and Everett local Christopher Ford on Unsplash