Top 15 Types Of Birds In Missouri (With Pictures)

Navigate through Missouri's top 15 bird species, featuring stunning images and intriguing facts—discover which bird can…

missouri s diverse bird species

Missouri is home to a diverse range of bird species, highlighted by the vividly colored Northern Cardinal, the state bird, with its distinctive red plumage and crest. The Eastern Bluebird, known for its bright blue and orange colors, represents a conservation success story. The American Goldfinch, displaying striking seasonal color variations, thrives in open fields. The Ruby-throated Hummingbird, with its brilliant green and vivid red throat, is noted for its extensive migration. The Baltimore Oriole stands out with its orange and black coloration and melodious song. These species, among others, contribute to Missouri's rich avian biodiversity, offering more insights into their unique behaviors and habitats.

Northern Cardinal

vibrant red bird species

The Northern Cardinal, scientifically known as Cardinalis cardinalis, is a vibrant and widely recognized bird species native to the eastern and southwestern United States, southern Ontario, and Mexico.

Esteemed as the State Bird of Missouri, these striking birds captivate observers with their brilliant red males and subtly hued females, each boasting a distinctive crest and robust, orange-red beak.

Eastern Bluebird

vibrant bird species

Shifting focus to another beloved bird, Eastern Bluebirds brighten Missouri's landscapes with their vivid blue and orange plumage. These small birds are a conservation success story, thriving in Missouri's hardwood forests and urban areas.

Known for symbolizing happiness, Eastern Bluebirds primarily feed on insects and often nest in cavities or specially provided boxes, underscoring their cheerful and adaptable presence across the state.

American Goldfinch

yellow bird with black

American Goldfinches, distinguished by their striking color variations and cheerful calls, are a common sight in Missouri's open fields and gardens.

Males flaunt bright yellow plumage, while females are a subtler yellow. Remarkably, they feature long wings and black wings with white markings.

These birds undergo seasonal color changes and migrate south in winter, primarily feeding on seeds like thistle and sunflower.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

graceful tiny bird species

From colorful finches to dazzling aerialists, another common Missouri bird is the Ruby-throated Hummingbird, celebrated for its brilliant green plumage and vivid red throat.

This small bird thrives on nectar, utilizing its long, slender bill. Despite its diminutive size, it undertakes extensive migratory journeys, making conservation efforts essential for its survival amidst threats like habitat loss and climate change.

Baltimore Oriole

bird with orange plumage

The Baltimore Oriole, known for its striking orange and black coloration, graces the Missouri landscape with its melodious tunes and vibrant presence.

This small bird, showcasing a distinctive black bib, thrives across North America, including Missouri.

They build elaborate hanging nests and play an important role as pollinators by feeding on insects, nectar, and fruits, enhancing local biodiversity.

Red-winged Blackbird

iconic north american bird

Red-winged Blackbirds, with their striking red and yellow shoulder patches, are a common sight in Missouri's marshes, wetlands, and agricultural fields.

Males boast vibrant red-winged shoulder patches framed by a yellow border, while females display a more subdued brown streaked appearance.

Known for their distinctive 'oak-a-lee' song, these blackbirds feed primarily on seeds and insects, thriving across Missouri.

Indigo Bunting

beautiful blue bird species

While the Red-winged Blackbird thrives in Missouri's wetlands, the Indigo Bunting prefers the state's open woodlands and grassy areas.

This small, brilliant blue songbird showcases a cone-shaped bill and is celebrated for its melodious songs during migration.

Males dazzle with their vivid blue, whereas females display a more subdued brown.

They forage on insects, seeds, and berries, migrating seasonally to Central and South America.

Blue Jay

majestic bird with crest

Blue Jays, characterized by their striking blue plumage and raucous calls, are a common sight across Missouri's diverse habitats. These large, crested birds favor acorns and other nuts, contributing to their prevalence in woodlands and towns.

Known for their loud, distinctive calls and intelligent behavior, Blue Jays are notable for both their beauty and their complex social behaviors, including mimicking other birds.

Mourning Dove

symbol of peace mourning

Shifting focus from the vibrant Blue Jay, we now explore the Mourning Dove, a bird known for its soft, grayish-brown plumage and melodious cooing.

Common across Missouri, these medium-sized birds feed primarily on seeds, often spotted at both feeders and on the ground.

Their nests, simple structures of sticks, can be found in trees, showcasing the blend of black and white in their design.

Red-bellied Woodpecker

beautiful bird with red

The Red-bellied Woodpecker, recognizable by its striking black and white barred body and vivid red cap, is a common inhabitant of Missouri's wooded areas.

This medium-sized woodpecker feeds primarily on insects, nuts, and seeds.

Males are distinguished by additional red markings on their heads and necks.

Their presence aids in controlling insect populations, making a substantial contribution to the local ecosystem.

Downy Woodpecker

feathered black and white

Although it is the smallest woodpecker in North America, the Downy Woodpecker is easily recognized by its distinctive black and white coloration and short black beak. With a wingspan of about 12 inches, it searches for insects, seeds, and small fruits.

Commonly found in gardens and woodlands, their presence is often noted by a unique drumming sound as they peck at tree bark.

Tufted Titmouse

small gray bird species

From the small yet remarkable Downy Woodpecker, we now turn our attention to another avian species, the Tufted Titmouse, known for its distinctive appearance and melodious calls.

This small, crested bird boasts a blue-gray coloration and a striking white face. Commonly found in Missouri's parks and woodlands, they forage for insects and seeds and nest in old woodpecker holes, singing a cheerful 'peter peter peter' song.

American Robin

common north american songbird

Spotting an American Robin, with its striking dark gray upper body and vivid brick red underparts, is an important delight in Missouri's diverse habitats.

These vocal birds, known for their cheerful song and distinctive call, are essential to Missouri Birding.

Weighing about 2.7 ounces with a 17-inch wingspan, they play a vital role in controlling insect populations across the region.

American Crow

intelligent black bird species

American Crows, characterized by their all-black plumage and metallic sheen, are a common yet remarkable sight in Missouri's avian community. These intelligent birds are highly social, often seen foraging in flocks.

They build bulky stick nests high in trees and are known for their complex 'Caw! Caw!' calls. Their varied diet and vocalizations play an essential role in maintaining ecosystem balance.

What Types of Birds can be Found in Missouri and how do they Differ from those in New York City?

Missouri is home to a diverse range of bird species including the Eastern bluebird, Northern cardinal, and American robin. In contrast, the types of birds in New York City are more urban-adapted, such as pigeons, sparrows, and seagulls. The difference lies in the environment and habitat of each location.

White-breasted Nuthatch

bird with black cap

The White-breasted Nuthatch, easily identified by its black cap and white face, exhibits a unique behavior as it skillfully walks headfirst down tree trunks.

This small songbird is admired for its acrobatic movements while foraging on insects, nuts, and seeds.

Often found in mature wooded areas, it also frequents bird feeders, where its distinctive nasal 'yank-yank' call can be heard.