Grassland birding habitat

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is a productive birding destination in Illinois, with 210 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, and Killdeer among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

6/2/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

6/2/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/1/20261000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri, US (38.86, -90.159) Drainage Area From West Alton Floodplains1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Forest Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/1/2026Orton Rd.1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Purple Martin

46/2/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

16/2/2026

Northern House Wren

16/2/2026

European Starling

306/2/2026

American Robin

16/2/2026

American Goldfinch

26/2/2026

Dickcissel

26/2/2026

Chimney Swift

26/1/2026

Eastern Kingbird

16/1/2026

Brown-headed Cowbird

16/1/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

15/30/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

25/30/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

25/30/2026

Indigo Bunting

25/30/2026

Great Egret

15/29/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

5/29/2026

Eastern Bluebird

5/29/2026

Chipping Sparrow

5/29/2026

Field Sparrow

5/29/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

5/29/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site for birding?
The best months to visit Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?
Notable species at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site include Canada Goose, Mourning Dove, Killdeer, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailed Hawk. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?
Birding at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site?
Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.