30 Common Missouri Birds To Watch Out For
1. Eurasian Tree Sparrow
You can find this nesting in farmland, parks, villages, and lightly wooded areas. Aside from Missouri, the Eurasian Tree Sparrow is still found in parts of Illinois and southeastern Iowa.
It’s a small and chubby songbird with adults measuring up to 6 inches long and weighing up to 1 ounce. It has a rounded head and short neck while it’s bill is thick and conical.
Adults have a black face and rich brown color. Young birds have the same colors, only much duller. They have a back patch on their white cheeks. Their short legs are colored pale brown with the bill colored blue in summer and black in the winter.
2. Painted Bunting
You can spot Painted Buntings in roadsides, woodland edges, and gardens in Missouri. The bird is also known to thrive in other parts of Northern America including the east coast of the US and Alberta, Canada up north.
In the winter, the bird typically migrates to Florida, Cuba, Mexico, and parts of the Bahamas.
Often referred to as the most beautiful bird in the world, the Painted Bunting’s body is a combination of colors such as blue, green, and red.
An adult Painted Bunting can grow up to 5.5 inches long and weigh up to .67 ounce. An adult male has blue upperparts, green wings, and back, red rump and eye-ring.
Females have green upper and underparts. Females and juveniles have green and yellow-green plumage that serve as camouflage.
3. Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
You can find this bird in farms, roadsides, and ranches. It likes to stay in grasslands with scattered trees.
It may also breed in open grassland without trees as long as there are utility posts that can serve as nest sites.
The Scissor-tailed Flycatcher has a long and elegant tail. It is roughly the same size as robin albeit with a slenderer body. It is colored light gray above its underwings.
The adult male has pale gray heads and forked black-and-white tail. Females have white upperparts while juveniles have short tails.
They can reach up to 15 inches long with a wingspan of about 6 inches.
4. Western Kingbird
You might have seen one in city parks near water. It also likes to stay in forest edges, savannas, and shrublands. It is often seen flying from its perch to chase away intruders or capture insects.
The Western Kingbird has a gray head and back, white throat, and a yellow belly. They also have a reddish crown that only appears during confrontations and courtship.
This bird has a black tail that’s outlined in white which is the primary difference from two other kingbirds– the tropical and Couch’s.
It also has a smaller bill compared to the two species. Adults can grow up to 9.4 inches long and weigh up to 1.6 ounces.
5. Swainson’s Warbler
You’ll find them in moist woodlands, forests and mountain ravines. In some cases, you might spot them in young pine plantations. During the winter, they migrate to the Caribbean and stay in forests.
Solidly built with a heavy bill and strong legs, the Swainson’s Warbler has a brownish body. It has a rusty brown head with a whitish stripe on its eyebrow.
It is a small bird that can grow to just 5.5 inches long and about half an ounce. It has an indistinct eyeline and a pale eyebrow.
The wingspan reaches up to 9 inches. Their underparts are colored pale yellow.
6. Snow Goose
It’s easy to spot snow geese especially during the fall, where they can be seen in agricultural fields. They can also be seen bathing in open water. During winter, they stay in plowed cornfields, lakes, marshes, and ponds.
The snow goose has a long neck and thick, pink bill. There’s a dark line along the bill commonly referred to as ‘black lips’ and which gives the impression that the bird is smiling.
It has a white body with black wingtips that are noticeable when the bird is in flight. The head can be rusty brown in color.
Adults are slightly bigger than juveniles. They can grow up to 32 inches long and close to 116 ounces in weight.
7. Prothonotary Warbler
The Prothonotary Warbler commonly stays in bottomland forests and swamps. You can also find them in streams, rivers, and other bodies of water.
It likes to stay in trees with woodpecker holes, using the cavities for nesting.
This bird is brilliantly colored with yellow head, breast, neck, and belly. The eye is prominently black while the wings are blue-grayish. Its undertail, meanwhile, is white.
Adult Prothonotary Warblers have a big head, bill, and body. It is bigger than a Carolina Chikadee but tinier than a Song Sparrow. Male adults have more brilliant colors than their female counterparts.
8. Black Vulture
True to its scavenging nature, the Black Vulture can be found gathering around dumpsters searching for food.
In the morning, flocks of Black Vulture can be found perched in structures and trees. In the forests, the bird likes to nest in wooded areas.
The Black Vulture has broad, rounded wings when in flight. It has a short and rounded tail. Its body is uniform black except for patches of white on the underside of its wingtips.
Black Vultures are slightly bigger than a Red-Tailed Hawk but slightly smaller than a Turkey Vulture.
They can grow up to 27 inches long with their wingspan up to 60 inches long. They have small heads and gray feet. There are no feathers in the head and neck while their skin is wrinkled.
9. Greater Prairie-Chicken
The Greater Prairie-Chicken prefers to stay in a native tall-grass prairie. In some cases, you may spot them in agricultural fields with the prairie.
With its round wings, short and rounded tails, and chicken-like appearance, the Greater Prairie-Chicken is not difficult to recognize.
It has orange feathers over the eyes and blackhead feathers that inflate while displaying.
It has a small head and short legs. The chubby body of this game bird comes in various colors such as black, brown, and white. Adults can grow up to 17 inches long with a wingspan of about 28 inches.
10. Roadrunner
The roadrunner is a habitant of the Southwest USA as well as Mexico. It is often found in mountainous woodland or arid lowland. It can also be seen in thick vegetation and on elevated perches.
With its size and color, you can easily identify and spot the roadrunner. It has a long tail and legs with streaks of gray and brown. Its crest is bushy and elevates whenever the bird gets excited.
The roadrunner is a large and slender bird. Its length extends to 24 inches from tail to beak. It has long legs and a big, dark bill. It also has a bare patch of skin that is colored blue and right behind the eyes.
16. Ruby-throated Hummingbird: The King of Missouri’s Backyard Birds
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is a tiny, yet magnificent bird that is commonly found in Missouri. With its emerald green feathers and ruby-red throat, this bird is a sight to behold.
The males are particularly striking with their iridescent plumage, which sparkles in the sunlight.
If you’re lucky enough to spot one of these birds in your backyard, you’re in for a real treat.
17. Red-bellied Woodpecker: The Drumming Marvel
The Red-bellied Woodpecker is another common backyard bird in Missouri.
Known for its distinctive drumming sound, this bird is easily recognizable by its black and white striped wings and bright red cap.
If you listen carefully, you may hear this bird’s drumming sound before you see it.
18. Eastern Kingbird: The Bossy Bird with Attitude
The Eastern Kingbird is a feisty bird with a lot of attitude. Known for its aggressive behavior towards other birds, this bird is a great defender of its territory.
With its black and white plumage and distinctive head crest, this bird is easily recognizable.
19. Yellow-rumped Warbler: The Colorful Warbler with a Yellow Patch
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a colorful bird that is easily recognized by the bright yellow patch on its rump.
This bird is known for its ability to catch insects mid-flight, making it a valuable addition to any backyard garden.
20. Northern Cardinals: The Beautiful Red Birds of Missouri
The Northern Cardinal is one of the most beautiful birds in Missouri. Known for its vibrant red plumage, this bird is a favorite among bird lovers.
Cardinals are also known for their distinctive crest and long, pointed bills.
21. Red-winged Blackbird: The Noisy Bird with a Red Wing
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common sight in Missouri’s wetlands and marshes. With its black feathers and bright red shoulder patches, this bird is easily recognizable.
If you hear a loud, metallic chattering sound in your backyard, it’s probably a Red-winged Blackbird.
22. White-throated Sparrow: The Melodious Songbird
The White-throated Sparrow is a melodious songbird that is easily recognized by its white throat and yellow eyebrows.
This bird is known for its sweet, whistling song, which can be heard throughout Missouri’s woodlands and forests.
23. Song Sparrow: The Cheerful Bird with a Beautiful Song
The Song Sparrow is a cheerful bird with a beautiful song. This bird is known for its melodious trills and distinctive cheeping sounds.
With its brown and white plumage and streaked breast, the Song Sparrow is a charming addition to any backyard.
24. Common Yellowthroat: The Cute and Tiny Warbler
The Common Yellowthroat is a small and cute warbler that is commonly found in Missouri’s wetlands and marshes.
With its distinctive black mask and yellow throat, this bird is easily recognizable.
Although small in size, the Common Yellowthroat has a surprisingly loud and beautiful song.
25. American Robin: The Early Bird
The American Robin is a familiar sight in many Missouri backyards. With its distinctive red breast and gray back, this bird is easy to spot.
The American Robin is also known for its early morning singing, which is a welcome sound for many bird enthusiasts.
26. White-breasted Nuthatch: The Upside-Down Bird
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a curious and acrobatic bird that is commonly found in Missouri’s woodlands and forests.
This bird is known for its habit of crawling upside-down on tree trunks and branches in search of insects.
With its distinctive black and white plumage and large head, the White-breasted Nuthatch is a fascinating bird to watch.
27. Blue Jays: The Bold and Beautiful Birds
The Blue Jay is a bold and beautiful bird that is easily recognizable by its blue plumage and crest.
This bird is known for its loud and raucous calls, which can often be heard throughout Missouri’s woodlands and backyards.
With its striking appearance and bold personality, the Blue Jay is a popular backyard bird.
28. Eastern Phoebe: The Flycatcher
The Eastern Phoebe is a small and charming bird that is commonly found in Missouri’s open woodlands and forests.
This bird is known for its distinctive “phoebe” call, which it uses to attract insects.
With its brown and white plumage and long tail, the Eastern Phoebe is a delightful addition to any backyard.
29. Black-capped Chickadees: The Cute and Friendly Birds
The Black-capped Chickadee is a cute and friendly bird that is easily recognized by its black cap and bib.
This bird is known for its sweet and cheerful song, which is a welcome sound for many bird lovers.
With its charming personality and adorable appearance, the Black-capped Chickadee is a favorite among backyard bird enthusiasts.
30. Tufted Titmouse: The Bold and Curious Bird
The Tufted Titmouse is a bold and curious bird that is commonly found in Missouri’s woodlands and forests. With its distinctive crest and gray plumage, this bird is easy to spot.
The Tufted Titmouse is also known for its loud and cheerful whistling, which is a delightful sound for many bird enthusiasts.
How many bird species are in Missouri?
According to the Audubon Society of Missouri, there are 435 bird species in Missouri.
Birds species in Missouri by region
Central Region
The central region of Missouri is where the state capital, Jefferson City, is located. It also includes Columbia City, which is the largest in the state.
It includes portions of the Ozark Mountains, Lake Ozarks, and the Missouri Rhineland.
Some of the birds spotted in the region are American kestrels, dickcissels, brown creepers, wood warbles, woodpeckers, nuthatches, and eastern meadowlarks.
The St. Louis Area
The St. Louis Area is known for being an important trade and culture center of the state.
Situated along the western bank of the Mississippi River, it has a wide assortment of residential neighborhoods and industrial counties. It also happens to be one of the most active flyways in America for birds migrating to the south every year.
Some of the birds that are found in this area are American black ducks, black-crowned night-herons, wood warblers, bald eagles, little blue herons, ruddy ducks, ospreys, and other raptors.
Kansas City Region
Consisting of 14 counties, the Kansas City region includes Kansas City, Overland Park, and Independence City.
It has two trails that feature the countryside, grasslands, farmland, and rolling hills. It also has lakes, nature trails, and open woodland habitats.
Some of the birds you will see here are bobolinks, bald eagles, ducks, geese, prairie falcons, hawks, owls, sedge wrens, and wading birds.
Southeast Region
The Southeast region covers thousands of miles of streams, rivers, forests, and agricultural fields.
It includes cities such as Doniphan, Cape Girardeau, New Madrid, Poplar Buff, and West plains.
It is home to different bird species such as bald eagles, bobolinks, dickcissels, bobwhite quails, red-bellied woodpeckers, wood warblers, prothonotary, eastern meadowlands, and bobwhite quails.
Northeast Region
The Northeast region covers the cities of Bowling Green, Hannibal, Kirksville, and Mexico. It is known for being a favorite destination of birds during the winter.
This can be attributed to the forest management practices in the region that restore native bird habitat.
This region is gifted with rolling savannas, huge reservoir lakes, vast crop fields, and bushy fencerows. It also has quality forests and wetlands.
As such, you can find all the woodpecker species of Missouri in this region. Some of the birds that are prevalent in the region are American tree sparrows, Acadian flycatchers, and bobolinks.
There are also dickcissels, dark-eyed juncos, common redpolls, winter and white-crown sparrows in the region.
Other birds found in the region are American white pelicans, ducks, double-crested cormorants, swans, gulls, bald eagles, and green herons. You can also spot snowy owls and several species of grebe in the area.
Southwest Region
The Southwest region of Missouri is popular with birders thanks to its beautiful rivers, large springs, open prairies, and savannas.
Some of the counties covered by the region are Barry, Dade, Cedar, Greene, Dallas, Jasper, Lawrence, Polk, Newton, Stone, and Taney.
This region is also covered by beautiful glades, streams, long valleys, forests, and even man-made lakes.
You can find birds such as painted buntings, bald eagles, woodpeckers, ospreys, and vireos in the region. Other birds prevalent in the area are wild turkeys, wood warblers, flycatchers, and bobwhite quail.
FAQs About Missouri Birds
What kind of birds are found in Missouri?
Missouri is home to a diverse range of bird species. The state’s varied habitats, including wetlands, forests, grasslands, and urban areas, support over 400 bird species.
What bird is most common in Missouri?
The Northern Cardinal is the most common bird in Missouri. Its striking red plumage and distinctive crest make it a favorite among bird enthusiasts.
What bird is Missouri known for?
Missouri is known for the Eastern Bluebird, which is the state bird. This small and charming bird is known for its blue plumage and sweet song.
How many bird species are in Missouri?
There are over 400 bird species in Missouri. This includes both resident species and migratory birds that pass through the state during their annual journeys.
What type of bird is most common?
Passerines, also known as songbirds, are the most common type of bird in Missouri. This group includes species like the Northern Cardinal, American Robin, and Tufted Titmouse.
What is the most common wild bird?
The most common wild bird in Missouri is the Northern Cardinal. Its bright red plumage and distinctive crest make it a familiar sight in backyards throughout the state.
Why is Missouri famous?
Missouri is famous for its role in American history, particularly the Lewis and Clark Expedition and the Civil War. The state is also known for its natural beauty and diverse wildlife.
What animal is Missouri known for?
In addition to its bird species, Missouri is known for its diverse array of wildlife, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, and coyotes.
The state is also home to endangered species like the Ozark Hellbender salamander and the Indiana bat.
What birds are in Missouri?
Thanks to its strategic location and diverse terrain, the state of Missouri is gifted with more than 400 bird species. Out of that number, five are reported to have been extinct. Many birds are also considered casual visitors.
Missouri has ducks, geese, and waterfowl as well as pheasants, grouse, and allies. It also has flamingos and grebes. New World quail, pigeons and doves, and nightjars and allies are also prevalent in the state.
Hummingbirds are found in the region as well as swifts, cranes, and rails, gallinules, and coots.
Lapwings and plovers, jaegers, gulls, terns, and skimmers thrive in Missouri, too. Other birds that live in Missouri are pelicans, New World vultures, storks, cormorants, and frigatebirds.
Hawks and eagles are included in the lists as well as woodpeckers, kingfishers, barn-owls, and typical owls.
How many species of birds are in Missouri?
According to the Audubon Society of Missouri, there are 435 bird species in Missouri.
Are there Magpies in Missouri?
Yes, magpies are one of the 435 bird species found in Missouri.
The Lewis and Clark expedition of the 1800s provided one of the earliest recordings of magpies in Missouri.
The two explorers first noted the magpies thriving near the great bend of the state.
What is the largest bird in Missouri?
The bald eagle (scientific name Haliaeetus leucocephalus) is not only the largest bird in Missouri; it is also one of the largest in the world. It can grow up to 36 inches long and with a wingspan of 84 inches.
While formerly thought to have been extinct in Missouri, there are more than 2,000 of this type of bird reported in the state during the winter. Bald eagles move to the state starting mid-fall with most of them arriving in December.
You can spot bald eagles in Missouri in lakes and rivers. During the winter, they stay in dams in search of fish for food.
Final Thoughts About Missouri Birds
Missouri’s top 15 backyard birds are a diverse and fascinating group of birds that are sure to delight bird lovers of all ages.
From the tiny Ruby-throated Hummingbird to the bold and beautiful Blue Jay, these birds are a wonderful addition to any backyard.
So get out there and start bird watching – you never know what you might see!
