St. Louis, Missouri, hosts a rich variety of birds, notable for their unique features and behaviors. Key species include the vividly red Northern Cardinal, known for its melodious song, and the Blue Jay, recognized by its striking blue plumage. The Mourning Dove charms with its distinctive cooing, while the Red-bellied Woodpecker stands out with its vibrant head and robust bill. The Downy Woodpecker, North America's smallest, pecks delightfully in local woodlands. Other significant birds are the Tufted Titmouse, American Robin, American Crow, and the cheerful American Goldfinch. Exploring these species further reveals the remarkable avian diversity of the area.
Northern Cardinal
The Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a prominent medium-sized songbird native to St. Louis, Missouri, known for its vivid red coloring and melodious song.
Sharing habitats with House Finches and Mourning Doves, this cardinal's striking appearance contrasts sharply with the subtler hues of its avian neighbors, yet it avoids competition with the similarly vibrant Blue Jay.
Blue Jay
Moving from the vibrant red of the Northern Cardinal, we encounter the equally striking Blue Jay, known for its brilliant blue plumage and distinctive calls. Common across North America, this bird thrives in woodlands alongside species like the Tufted Titmouse and Downy Woodpecker.
Its diet includes acorns and insects, reflecting its adaptability and diverse ecological role in its habitat.
Mourning Dove
Often mistaken for owls due to their distinctive cooing, mourning doves are medium-sized birds commonly found across the USA, southern Canada, and Mexico.
With a grayish-brown body and long tail, these doves are charming sights at feeders and gardens.
Their melodious hooOOA, hoo, hoo, hoo song echoes softly, enhancing their gentle presence amidst the backdrop of urban and suburban settings.
Red-bellied Woodpecker
While the Mourning Dove thrives in urban settings, the Red-bellied Woodpecker prefers the seclusion of woodlands and suburban tree lines. Sporting distinctive black and white barring, the male showcases a vibrant red head and neck.
They utilize their robust bills to drill into trees for nuts, seeds, insects, and fruit, and nest in high tree cavities, safeguarding their offspring. Common in eastern USA, they are a familiar woodland presence.
Downy Woodpecker
The diminutive Downy Woodpecker, North America's smallest woodpecker, exhibits a striking black and white plumage that makes it easily identifiable. Measuring approximately 6.75 inches in length with a 12-inch wingspan, it thrives in gardens and woodlands, pecking at insects and seeds.
Its distinctive drumming sound and presence at bird feeders make it a charming addition to backyard birdwatching in St. Louis, Missouri.
Tufted Titmouse
Residing in the heartwood of St. Louis' lush parks and woodlands, the Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) captivates observers with its vibrant blue-gray plumage and lively behavior.
This small, crested bird, measuring 6.5 inches and weighing 0.75 ounces, forages for insects and seeds, often joining mixed-species flocks.
Nesting in old woodpecker holes, they thrive in hardwood forests and adapted urban areas.
American Robin
American Robins, distinguished by their dark gray upper parts and brick red underparts, are a familiar presence in St. Louis, Missouri. Measuring about 10 inches in length with a 17-inch wingspan, they forage on lawns searching for worms.
These vocal birds are known for their loud 'yenk!' calls and cheerful songs, making them one of North America's most abundant landbirds.
American Crow
Prominent in St. Louis, Missouri, American Crows are easily recognizable by their all-black plumage and metallic sheen.
Renowned for their intelligence, these birds often gather in flocks, demonstrating complex social behaviors.
Their loud 'Caw! Caw! Caw!' calls are distinctive.
They forage for insects and seeds, and construct bulky nests high in trees, showcasing their adaptability and presence across various North American landscapes.
American Goldfinch
Known for their striking yellow plumage, American Goldfinches (Spinus tris) are a vibrant addition to the avian landscape of St. Louis, Missouri.
These birds exhibit a remarkable acrobatic feeding behavior, often seen hanging upside down at thistle feeders.
Their bright coloration, especially in males during the breeding season, and cheerful songs make them beloved among local birdwatchers.
European Starling
While the American Goldfinch brightens St. Louis with its vivid hues, the European Starling offers a different spectacle with its glossy black plumage and remarkable mimicry skills. These medium-sized birds, characterized by iridescent speckles, short tails, and triangular wings, excel in agility.
Highly social, they form large flocks and were introduced to North America in the 19th century, becoming one of the continent's most abundant species.
House Finch
House Finches, with their striking reddish-orange males and streaked brown females, are a familiar sight in St. Louis's urban and suburban landscapes. Small birds, about 5.5 to 6 inches in length, they adapt well to human environments.
Their diet includes seeds, fruits, and insects, making them common visitors at backyard feeders. This species showcases the vibrant biodiversity within city limits.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch, identifiable by its black cap and white underbelly, exhibits a remarkable ability to navigate tree trunks headfirst.
A skilled forager, it uses its strong bill to probe for insects in tree crevices.
Commonly seen in St. Louis's forests and parks, they nest in old woodpecker holes or nest boxes, making them a familiar sight for local bird watchers.
Carolina Wren
Carolina Wrens, small yet vibrant songbirds, are frequently observed in pairs as they energetically forage throughout St. Louis. Their melodious song features loud notes and trills, resonating clearly across their territories.
Remarkably active, these wrens hop and flit in search of insects and seeds, constructing dome-shaped nests in creative spots like flowerpots and old boots, demonstrating their adaptability and resourcefulness.
House Sparrow
Commonly seen in the bustling cityscapes of St. Louis, House Sparrows are small birds distinguished by their robust heads and short tails.
Males feature gray crowns and black throats, while females display buff and brown streaked backs.
These birds are highly adaptable, thriving on a varied diet including seeds, grains, insects, and human food scraps.
They are prevalent in urban and suburban settings.
What Types of Birds Can Be Found in Both St. Louis, Missouri and South Georgia?
St. Louis, Missouri and South Georgia are home to a diverse range of types of birds in South Georgia including cardinals, blue jays, and sparrows. In addition, both regions offer the opportunity to spot robins, woodpeckers, and various types of finches. Birdwatching is a popular activity in both areas.
Carolina Chickadee
Small and lively, Carolina Chickadees are easily recognized by their black cap and bib, making them a familiar sight in St. Louis. These birds often move in pairs, adeptly maneuvering through trees and visiting feeders.
Their distinctive calls include a 'fee-bee' and a 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee.' Remarkably acrobatic, they forage by hanging upside down to snatch insects, delighting year-round observers in local backyards.
