Top 15 Types Of Birds In Missouri (With Pictures)

Immerse yourself in the stunning diversity of Missouri's top 15 birds, each with unique characteristics and roles—discover their secrets inside!

birds of missouri revealed

Missouri is home to a rich variety of bird species, each adding significant value to the ecosystem. Among the most notable are the Eastern Bluebird, recognized by its vibrant blue and orange plumage, and the Northern Cardinal, Missouri's red state bird known for its melodious tunes. The American Goldfinch, with its striking yellow feathers, and the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, admired for its dazzling red throat patch, also grace Missouri's landscapes. Additionally, the Red-winged Blackbird, identifiable by its red and yellow shoulder patches, is a common sight. Each bird plays an important role, from pollinating flowers to controlling pests. More insights await enthusiasts looking to explore further.

Eastern Bluebird

beautiful blue songbird species

The Eastern Bluebird, distinguished by its vivid blue and orange plumage, is a conspicuous and cherished species across Missouri. Renowned for their role in Missouri Birding, these birds contribute greatly to local ecosystems by controlling insect populations.

Adaptable in their nesting habits, they thrive in both natural cavities and artificial boxes, symbolizing happiness and good fortune for those who spot their vibrant blue and orange colors.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

Continuing our exploration of Missouri's avian life, we next consider the Northern Cardinal, a beloved and striking presence in many gardens and forests throughout the state.

This vibrant red state bird is a medium-sized songbird, recognizable by its melodious song and distinct appearance.

Both males and females exhibit a unique charm, making them a standout among Missouri's feathered residents.

American Goldfinch

bright yellow bird species

Male American Goldfinches brighten Missouri's landscapes with their brilliant yellow plumage, while females display a more subdued hue. These small birds thrive on seeds like thistle and sunflower.

Remarkably migratory, they travel south in winter, returning to brighten open fields, meadows, and gardens with their presence and cheerful songs throughout the breeding season.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

vibrant bird with iridescent throat

Missouri's landscapes are further enriched by the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, a diminutive species distinguished by its shimmering green plumage and striking red throat patch.

These small birds captivate with bright red colors and feed using long tongues, adept at extracting nectar and catching insects.

Their remarkable hovering ability and extensive migratory patterns add a dynamic element to Missouri's avian diversity. A variety of species that exhibit this remarkable hovering ability can be found throughout the state, including the ruby-throated hummingbird and several species of flycatchers. These birds are known for their agile flight patterns and ability to stay in one place while foraging for food. The diversity of avian life in Missouri is further enriched by the extensive migratory patterns of many types of birds, making it a prime location for birdwatching enthusiasts. Many types of birds can be observed migrating through Missouri during the spring and fall, including warblers, tanagers, and orioles. The state’s diverse habitats, from forests and wetlands to prairies and rivers, provide important stopover points for these migratory species. Birdwatchers flock to Missouri to witness these awe-inspiring migrations and catch a glimpse of the diverse types of birds that call the state home.

Red-winged Blackbird

avian symbol of marshes

The Red-winged Blackbird, characterized by its striking red and yellow shoulder patches on males, is a common sight in Missouri's wetlands and agricultural areas.

Females display a less conspicuous, streaked brown plumage. Known for their long, loud 'oak-a-lee' song, these birds feed on seeds and insects, making a substantial contribution to the ecosystem.

Their black and white coloring is distinctive, especially during flight.

Indigo Bunting

vibrant blue bird species

In Missouri, the Indigo Bunting captivates observers with its vibrant blue plumage. This small blue bird thrives in open woodlands, brushy areas, and along roadsides.

Male Indigo Buntings showcase a brilliant blue color, contrasting with the more subdued brown tones of females. Their diet mainly includes seeds and insects, and their presence is often announced by cheerful, melodic songs.

Blue Jay

vibrant feathered bird species

Renowned for their vivid blue coloration and distinctive calls, Blue Jays are a common sight in various North American habitats. Sporting a straight black bill and bright blue plumage, these intelligent birds have a wingspan of 16 inches.

They thrive on a diet of acorns, nuts, insects, and small creatures, adapting easily to woodlands, forests, and urban areas east of the Rocky Mountains.

Mourning Dove

symbol of peace

Mourning doves, distinguished by their soft, sorrowful cooing, are medium-sized, grayish-brown birds with elongated tails. They forage primarily for seeds, utilizing both feeders and the ground, and build small, messy nests from sticks in trees.

Common across North America, these doves are often mistaken for owls due to their calls and migrate short distances, thriving near human settlements.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

eastern north american bird

While the Mourning Dove thrives near human settlements, another avian resident of Missouri, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, plays an essential role in the state's ecosystems.

This medium-sized woodpecker, identifiable by its black and white barring and the red patches on males, is vital for insect control. They feed on insects, nuts, and seeds, nesting in high tree cavities to raise their young.

Downy Woodpecker

small black and white bird

Moving from the Red-bellied to the Downy Woodpecker, the latter stands out as North America's smallest woodpecker, measuring a mere 6.75 inches in length.

With its black and white plumage and small beak, this woodpecker is a common sight in Missouri's gardens and woodlands.

It nests in tree cavities and is known for its distinctive, chattering call.

Tufted Titmouse

a small songbird species

The Tufted Titmouse, a small and agile bird, is easily recognized by its blue-gray coloration and distinctive white face. Common among birds in Missouri, they have black wings with white accents and forage for insects and seeds, making them an essential food source in their ecosystems.

They nest in old woodpecker holes, often heard singing their 'peter peter peter' tune in hardwood forests.

American Robin

symbol of north america

Shifting focus to another prominent Missouri bird, the American Robin is renowned for its vibrant red breast and melodious voice.

These American Robins, the most numerous landbird in North America, are easily recognizable in Missouri backyards.

At 10 inches long and weighing 2.7 ounces, they feature a dark gray upper body with a brick red underside, often seen foraging for worms and singing cheerfully.

American Crow

intelligent black bird species

While often overlooked due to their common presence, American Crows are notable for their striking all-black plumage and remarkable intelligence.

As one of the key black birds of Missouri, these American Crows are highly social, often gathering in large flocks.

They forage for a variety of foods and are known for their loud 'Caw! Caw!' calls, making them a distinctive part of Missouri's avian community.

European Starling

invasive bird species introduced

European Starlings were introduced to North America in the 1800s. They are invasive birds with iridescent black plumage and aggressive behavior. These birds dominate native species for nesting sites and food due to their acrobatic flight abilities.

Widespread across Missouri, European Starlings are known for mimicking sounds, including those of other birds and mechanical noises. This trait adds to their adaptability in various environments.

What Types of Birds in Houston are Similar to the Birds in Missouri?

When comparing the types of birds in Houston to those in Missouri, you’ll find some similarities. Both regions are home to a variety of bird species such as cardinals, blue jays, and robins. Additionally, both areas are frequented by migrating birds like warblers and sparrows.

House Finch

small red bird species

House Finches, characterized by their melodic songs and distinctive coloration, are a common sight in Missouri's urban and suburban landscapes.

These small birds, measuring 5 to 6 inches in length, display varied plumage: males with reddish-orange on the head, throat, and chest, and brown, streaked females. These vibrant colors help them blend into their natural habitats of dense foliage and brush, where they forage for seeds and insects. Conservationists have been studying these birds closely, as their habitats increasingly intersect with human development. Efforts to protect them often include raising awareness through educational campaigns that highlight endangered bird species with pictures to inspire more support for their preservation.

They mainly feed on seeds and fruits, adding beauty and song to Missouri birdwatching.