By Avian Feathers Team
Published July 2025
Washington is home to incredible birdlife, from seabirds on the coast to mountain dwellers in the Cascades. But every once in a while, rare and unexpected birds make an appearance. Whether blown off course or expanding their range, these species are a treat for any birder lucky enough to spot them.
1. Yellow-billed Loon
This massive diving bird is usually found in Arctic regions. Occasionally, one will wander down to the Pacific Northwest in winter. It looks similar to the Common Loon but has a larger, pale yellow bill and bulkier build. Spotting one is a big deal for local birders.
Size
Length: 29–31 in (74–79 cm)
Wingspan: 53–63 in (135–160 cm)
Weight: 9.9–12.1 lbs (4.5–5.5 kg)
Scientific Name: Gavia adamsii
2. Tropical Kingbird
These bright yellow flycatchers are usually seen in Central and South America. In fall, a few individuals wander as far as Washington, especially along the coast. They often perch on wires or fences, dashing out to catch flying insects.
Size
Length: 8.3–9.4 in (21–24 cm)
Wingspan: 14–16 in (36–41 cm)
Weight: 1.1–1.6 oz (32–46 g)
Scientific Name: Tyrannus melancholicus
3. Ruff
Ruffs are rare shorebirds from Europe and Asia that sometimes show up during migration. Males are known for their elaborate breeding plumage, but both sexes are usually plain when seen in Washington. Look for them in muddy fields and wetlands.
Size
Length: 8.7–12.6 in (22–32 cm)
Wingspan: 20.9–24 in (53–61 cm)
Weight: 2.5–7 oz (70–200 g)
Scientific Name: Calidris pugnax
4. White-tailed Kite
This graceful raptor hovers like a helicopter while scanning for prey. It’s mostly found in California, but a few individuals have turned up in southern Washington. They are ghostly white with black shoulders and red eyes.
Size
Length: 14–17 in (35–43 cm)
Wingspan: 35–40 in (89–102 cm)
Weight: 8.8–13.4 oz (250–380 g)
Scientific Name: Elanus leucurus
5. Harris’s Sparrow
This large, pink-billed sparrow breeds in the Canadian Arctic and winters in the central U.S. Rarely, one strays west and ends up in Washington. Adults are easy to identify by their bold black face and bib.
Size
Length: 7.9 in (20 cm)
Wingspan: 10.6 in (27 cm)
Weight: 1.3–1.7 oz (36–48 g)
Scientific Name: Zonotrichia querula
6. Elegant Tern
With their shaggy crest and bright orange bills, Elegant Terns stand out. They nest along the California coast but may venture north during late summer. Seeing one in Washington is rare but possible, especially near estuaries.
Size
Length: 15–17 in (38–43 cm)
Wingspan: 30–34 in (76–86 cm)
Weight: 8.1–11.6 oz (230–330 g)
Scientific Name: Thalasseus elegans
7. Blue-gray Gnatcatcher
This tiny, fast-moving bird is more common in the southeastern U.S. A few make it into Washington each year, usually during migration. Their long tail and sharp “spee” call help identify them in shrubby areas.
Size
Length: 3.9–4.3 in (10–11 cm)
Wingspan: 6.3 in (16 cm)
Weight: 0.2–0.3 oz (5–10 g)
Scientific Name: Polioptila caerulea
8. Black Swift
Black Swifts are mysterious and hard to find. They nest behind waterfalls and in steep cliffs. In Washington, sightings are rare and mostly in summer. They are entirely black and fly high overhead in small flocks.
Size
Length: 7.5–7.9 in (19–20 cm)
Wingspan: 18 in (46 cm)
Weight: 1.6 oz (45 g)
Scientific Name: Cypseloides niger
9. Siberian Accentor
A true vagrant, this Eurasian bird caused a stir when one was spotted in Washington. It’s a small brown bird with a bold facial pattern. These birds rarely cross the Pacific, making any sighting historic.
Size
Length: 5.3–6.3 in (13.5–16 cm)
Wingspan: 7.9–9.8 in (20–25 cm)
Weight: 0.6–0.8 oz (17–23 g)
Scientific Name: Prunella montanella
10. Whooper Swan
This giant white swan is native to Europe and Asia. A few have been seen among flocks of Tundra Swans in Washington. Look for their bright yellow bill and upright posture.
Size
Length: 55–63 in (140–160 cm)
Wingspan: 81–106 in (205–270 cm)
Weight: 16.5–31 lbs (7.5–14 kg)
Scientific Name: Cygnus cygnus
Where to Spot Rare Birds in Washington
Spotting rare birds often depends on luck, timing, and monitoring birding alerts, but here are general areas where these species might occasionally turn up in Washington:
Yellow-billed Loon: Typically found in marine waters, large bays, and coastal inlets along the Pacific Northwest coast during winter. Look in areas where other loons gather.
Tropical Kingbird: Most likely to be found during fall migration (September-November), especially in coastal areas, lowlands, and suburban patches of western Washington. They often perch conspicuously on wires or isolated trees.
Ruff: Look for these shorebirds during spring or fall migration in wetlands, muddy fields, sewage treatment ponds, and flooded agricultural areas, often among flocks of other shorebirds. Coastal estuaries can also be prime locations.
White-tailed Kite: While expanding their range, sightings are still rare in Washington and most likely occur in southern Washington, particularly in open grasslands, farmlands, and oak woodlands near the Columbia River Gorge or Lower Columbia River.
Harris’s Sparrow: An uncommon winter vagrant, typically found at bird feeders, shrubby areas, overgrown fields, or forest edges, especially in eastern Washington but can appear anywhere.
Elegant Tern: A post-breeding dispersal visitor, most likely seen in late summer (August-September) along the Pacific coast, estuaries, and large bays. Look among flocks of other terns.
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher: A rare migrant, sometimes seen in shrubby woodlands, riparian areas, and suburban gardens throughout Washington, particularly during spring and fall migration. Listen for their high-pitched “spee” call.
Black Swift: Extremely difficult to find, they typically nest behind waterfalls or in steep coastal cliffs. Sightings are rare and occur primarily in summer as they fly high overhead, often near mountainous regions or the coast.
Siberian Accentor: An extremely rare vagrant from Eurasia. Any sighting is unpredictable and would likely occur in shrubby habitats, gardens, or sheltered areas, especially along the coast. Monitoring birding alerts is essential for a chance encounter.
Whooper Swan: A very rare visitor from Eurasia. Look for them among large flocks of Tundra Swans in wetlands, large lakes, and agricultural fields, particularly in winter when Tundra Swans are present.
Have you spotted any of these rare birds in Washington?
Have you spotted any of these rare birds in Washington?
Keep your eyes open—you never know what you’ll see next.