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.