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 classifies 437 species inhabiting Missouri per the July 2021 records.

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