Wetland birding habitat

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge

Kansas · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Kansas, with 243 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts a wide variety of species 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

Trumpeter Swan

Cygnus buccinator

4/15/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

4/11/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Glossy Ibis

Plegadis falcinellus

4/5/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Willet

Tringa semipalmata

4/4/2026Quivira NWR--Big Salt Marsh--Wildlife Drive1 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

24/14/2026

Blue-winged Teal

4/14/2026

Northern Shoveler

4/14/2026

Gadwall

4/14/2026

Mallard

4/14/2026

Green-winged Teal

4/14/2026

Lesser Scaup

4/14/2026

Ruddy Duck

4/14/2026

Northern Bobwhite

14/14/2026

Ring-necked Pheasant

24/14/2026

Mourning Dove

64/14/2026

American Coot

4/14/2026

Black-necked Stilt

4/14/2026

American Avocet

4/14/2026

American Golden-Plover

14/14/2026

Killdeer

54/14/2026

Snowy Plover

164/14/2026

Hudsonian Godwit

14/14/2026

Wilson's Phalarope

14/14/2026

Lesser Yellowlegs

54/14/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Quivira National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Quivira National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge include Great Blue Heron, Red-winged Blackbird, Mallard, Green Heron, Virginia Rail. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Quivira National Wildlife Refuge?
Quivira National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.