Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site

Illinois · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
SpringFall
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

Cackling Goose

Branta hutchinsii

3/5/2026Forest Park6 observed

Chipping Sparrow

Spizella passerina

3/4/2026Rock Springs Municipal Park, O'Fallon2 observed

Blue-winged Teal

Spatula discors

3/4/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park, Pontoon Beach US-IL 38.69504, -90.071612 observed

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

3/3/2026Home1 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

3/2/2026Meadowbrook Community1 observed

Snow x Greater White-fronted Goose (hybrid)

Anser caerulescens x albifrons

3/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Long-tailed Duck

Clangula hyemalis

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

White-winged Scoter

Melanitta deglandi

3/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Iceland Gull (Thayer's)

Larus glaucoides

2/28/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Black-backed Gull

Larus fuscus

2/28/2026Columbia Bottom CA2 observed

Orange-crowned Warbler

Leiothlypis celata

2/28/2026Carondelet Park1 observed

Black Vulture

Coragyps atratus

2/28/2026405 East Union Street, Edwardsville, Illinois, US (38.82, -89.957)5 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

232/28/2026

Mourning Dove

22/28/2026

Killdeer

22/28/2026

Turkey Vulture

32/28/2026

Red-tailed Hawk

12/28/2026

Red-headed Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

32/28/2026

Downy Woodpecker

12/28/2026

Blue Jay

192/28/2026

Tufted Titmouse

32/28/2026

European Starling

22/28/2026

Northern Mockingbird

12/28/2026

Eastern Bluebird

62/28/2026

Hermit Thrush

12/28/2026

American Robin

152/28/2026

House Sparrow

22/28/2026

House Finch

22/28/2026

American Tree Sparrow

22/28/2026

Dark-eyed Junco

82/28/2026

Song Sparrow

12/28/2026

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.