Fat Bird Week in Wisconsin: A Celebration of Our Fluffiest Friends

Starling

Get ready, Wisconsin! Fat Bird Week is here from May 2-9, and it’s time to celebrate some of our chubbiest, cutest feathered friends. Every day, you can vote for your favorite puffy bird in a fun, bracket-style tournament. It’s a week full of friendly competition and a great way to learn more about the amazing birds that call Wisconsin home.

Hosted by the Natural Resources Foundation of Wisconsin and SOS Save Our Songbirds, Fat Bird Week shines a spotlight on birds during their spring migration. Inspired by Alaska's Fat Bear Week. Wisconsin’s celebratory week takes a look at migratory birds eating fat-rich foods to fuel their long journeys. For birds, a little extra weight can mean the difference between life and death on the road north.

Even birds that stay in Wisconsin all winter get extra fluffy — they puff out their feathers to trap heat and survive the cold months. Whether migrating or staying put, a "fat" bird is a healthy bird!

This year's tournament features funny favorites like the "Neckless Northern Cardinal," the "Spherical White-Throated Sparrow," and the "Rotund Ruby-throated Hummingbird." Each day, two birds go beak-to-beak, and the winner advances to the next round. Voters can even sign up for daily emails to keep up with the action and be the first to hear which bird wins the championship!

During Fat Bird Week, the organizers also share tips on how everyone can help birds thrive — like planting native plants, choosing bird-friendly coffee, and protecting birds from window collisions. It’s a great reminder that small actions can make a big difference for wildlife.

At AviAway, we love seeing healthy bird populations — and we believe that people and birds can live side by side safely. As a professional bird control company serving Wisconsin, AviAway helps protect businesses and communities when birds land in places they shouldn't. Our work helps create a balance where birds stay wild and free, and people’s spaces stay clean and safe.

This Fat Bird Week, take a moment to celebrate the fluff, learn something new, and maybe even spot a chunky bird in your own backyard. Happy Fat Bird Week, Wisconsin!