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

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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

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

7/11/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Baird's Sandpiper

Calidris bairdii

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

7/11/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

7/10/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Scissor-tailed Flycatcher

Tyrannus forficatus

7/9/2026Mississippi River Greenway (Jefferson Barracks Park to Casino)1 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

7/8/20261240 Gerber Road, Edwardsville, Illinois, US (38.797, -89.932)1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

17/7/2026

Great Blue Heron

17/7/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

47/7/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

17/7/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

27/7/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

27/7/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

17/7/2026

Blue Jay

17/7/2026

Carolina Chickadee

27/7/2026

Tufted Titmouse

27/7/2026

Purple Martin

137/7/2026

White-breasted Nuthatch

17/7/2026

Blue-gray Gnatcatcher

47/7/2026

Northern House Wren

17/7/2026

Carolina Wren

17/7/2026

European Starling

137/7/2026

Eastern Bluebird

27/7/2026

American Robin

67/7/2026

House Finch

47/7/2026

American Goldfinch

37/7/2026

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.