Midwest · Mississippi Flyway

Birds in Missouri

Birds in Missouri: Missouri sits at the crossroads of eastern forest, western plains, and the Mississippi Flyway. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Missouri.

400+Bird species
3Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Missouri:

Common Birds in Missouri

The most frequently reported bird species across Missouri. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

Browse all birds →

Backyard Birds in Missouri

Missouri backyard birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens. These are the species you’re most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Where to Go Bird Watching in Missouri

The best places to see birds in Missouri, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area

Missouri River floodplain wetland—shorebirds and waterfowl.

Birds in Missouri by Month

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

Birds by Habitat in Missouri

Missouri spans 3 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Birds in neighboring states

About birding in Missouri

Missouri is located in the Midwest region of the United States and falls along the Mississippi Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 400 bird species across 3 habitat types: forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Kansas City or planning a trip to Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Missouri.