Using picture books in your nature studies can bring so much richness into your home! Birds are one of my favorite subjects to learn about because there are birds everywhere you go. They’re easy to study and see up close, and even easier to learn about with these 20 picture books about birds for children of all ages!

Explanatorium of Nature by DK

This book is beyond beautiful and is about more than just birds! The photographs and illustrations are so real and detailed. It works great as our main book for Rabbit Trails through Science: Birds. There is so much information shared about all things in nature. You will definitely be pulling this off the shelf over and over again!

Nests, Eggs, Birds: An Illustrated Aviary by Kelsey Oseid

This is a nice reference book when learning about birds. You will discover fun facts like hummingbird eggs being the size of jelly beans. All future ornithologists need this book! 

Burgess Bird Book by Thornton W. Burgess

I loved reading this to my children! It was fun to see what bird friends Peter Rabbit was going to meet next. We also learned all about the birds colors, nests, and where they spend the winter. It’s more than just a chapter book!

On Wings of Song by J.D. McClatchy

I love the poems in this book! Although it doesn’t have pictures, it has some of the best poetry about birds from the most well known poets. It works great for copywork in Rabbit Trails through Science: Birds. These poems will add beautiful language to your homeschool.

The Boy Who Drew Birds by Jacqueline Davies

This book tells the story of John James Audubon and his love for birds. His detailed journals and drawings laid the foundation for all we know about birds today. Definitely a must read for any bird lover.

Tico and the Golden Wings by Leo Lionni

I love Leo Lionni’s books!! This one teaches about being generous and being yourself. Tico wishes for wings. One day his wish is granted with golden wings. His friends don’t treat him very kindly, but Tico makes a very good decision in the end. 

A Nest is Noisy by Dianna Hutts Aston

Do you want to learn all about different bird nests? I definitely recommend checking this book out! I absolutely love the books in this series! The illustrations are gorgeous! The information shared is great! My children love to look through these books over and over again. 

Egg: Nature’s Perfect Package by Robin Page

Eggs come in all shapes and sizes. This book will show you the different sizes, how animals protect or disguise their eggs, and how some parents care for them while others just leave them behind.  

Circle by Jeannie Baker

Circle is a great book to see how far some birds go during migration. It shows just how dangerous these journeys can be. It is fun to watch the different landmarks the birds fly over to get from the Arctic to Australia and New Zealand.

Hummingbirds by Nicola Davies

Hummingbirds are small, beautiful birds that are fascinating to watch. The illustrations in this book are absolutely stunning. Don’t forget to check out all the additional information in the back of the book. 

The Eagles are Back by Jean Craighead George

The American Bald Eagle is a symbol of pride and strength. Sadly, the American Bald Eagle was close to extinction. This book shares the story of how volunteers worked hard to save the eagles. This inspiring story will make you want to help care for the environment to save more animals.

Why Can’t I Fly by Ken Brown

Ostrich wishes he could fly like the other birds. Each bird has a suggestion as to why he can’t fly. As you read through this book, you will learn about different species. Make sure to read to the end to find out if Ostrich’s dream comes true. This picture book about birds may only be available used, but it is a must add to your list!

Undercover Ostrich by Joe Kulka

This is a fun book that your kids will love. Undercover Ostriches are hard to spot. See if you can detect them in the entertaining pages of this book.

Make Way for Ducklings by Robert McCloskey

I just love this book! It was so fun to visit the ducks in Boston on a recent trip. Mr. and Mrs. Mallard work hard looking for the best place to lay their eggs. After the ducklings are born, Mrs. Mallard takes them through the streets of Boston. Luckily, they make it to their home safely.

The Story About Ping by Marjorie Flack

This classic story is about a little duck named Ping. Ping lives with his family on a boat in the Yangtze River. One day, Ping misses the boat. Check out this book to see what adventures Ping has. 

Owl Moon by Jane Yolen

Shhhh! We must be quiet when we go owling. This book shares the story of a little girl who goes out owling with her father. Will they find an owl?

Flora and the Peacocks by Molly Idle

I absolutely LOVE this book! The illustrations are amazing and the fold-out in this book just puts it over the top! My children loved looking at this book over and over again.

A Mother’s Journey by Sandra Markle

A Mother’s Journey will show just how hard an emperor penguin’s life is. From keeping her child from freezing to finding food and making it back in time before the chick starves. The illustrations of Antarctica are amazing and help us see what it is really like down there.

If I Had a Gryphon by Vikki VanSickle

Every kid wants a pet. Sam gets a hamster, but decides a hamster is boring. Sam dreams of having different mythical creatures, but then soon realizes that hamsters might just be the best pet ever!

Bird Count by Susan Edwards Richmond

We wrap up our list of picture books about birds with Bird Count. Have you heard of the Christmas Bird Count? Every year, millions of ornithologists and bird enthusiasts go out and count how many birds they see. In this book, a young girl and her mother get to participate in a Christmas Bird Count. She is very excited. Bird Count will help introduce your children to birdwatching.

20 of the best picture books about birds

I hope you enjoyed this list of 20 picture books about birds! What books would you add to the list? Let us know in the comments or in my online homeschool community! And be sure to grab your copy of Rabbit Trails through Science: Birds today to learn all about birds in your home!