Birds of Missouri

Missouri has a varied topography with farmlands, forested areas, and alluvial plains stretched throughout the state. Hence, it is pretty evident that the state would abound in various bird species from summer to winter.

The Missouri Birding Society, or MBS, identifies around 450 species inhabiting the state. Out of these, around 50 are accidental or vagrants, and 7 are introduced. Extinct birds that used to be found in the state are the passenger pigeon, Carolina parakeet, and Eskimo curlew. Some birds, including the swallow-tailed kite, red-cockaded woodpecker, and burrowing owl, have been extirpated, meaning they no longer inhabit Missouri, but can be found in other states and countries.

The eastern bluebird has been Missouri’s official state bird since 1927.

Birds of Missouri

Backyard Birds:

All-year-round:  American Goldfinch, Blue Jay, House Finch, Common Redpoll, American Robin

Migratory Birds:

In Summer: Common Redpoll, Black-backed Woodpecker, Ruffed Grouse, Evening Grosbeak, Eastern Bluebird

In Winter: Dark-eyed Junco, Downy Woodpecker, Hairy Woodpecker, Red-bellied Woodpecker, White-breasted Nuthatch

Birds of Prey: Red-Tailed Hawk, Broad-Winged Hawk, Red-Shouldered Hawk, Northern Harrier, Sharp-shinned Hawk

Water Birds: Great Blue Heron, Black-crowned night heron, American Bittern, Great Egret, Snowy Egret

Common Birds Identification by Color

Yellow Birds

  • Cedar Waxwing
  • Yellow-rumped Warbler
  • American Goldfinch
  • Eastern Meadowlark
  • Common Yellowthroat

Blue Birds

  • Indigo Bunting
  • Eastern Bluebird
  • Blue Jay
  • Great Blue Heron
  • Blue Grosbeak

Black Birds

Red Birds

  • Red-headed Woodpecker
  • Northern Cardinal
  • House Finch
  • American Robin
  • Summer Tanager

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