Field Guide

Birds

Showing 141 - 147 of 147 results
Bonaparte’s gull floating on water, adult in nonbreeding plumage
Bonaparte's Gull
Chroicocephalus philadelphia (formerly Larus philadelphia)
Bonaparte’s gulls are in Missouri during migration and, less commonly, in winter. Breeding adults have black heads. In winter and immatures, the head is white except for a smudgy black spot behind the eye.
Tundra Swan
Cygnus columbianus
The tundra swan is a rare migrant and winter resident in Missouri. These large, long-necked waterfowl breed far north in the Arctic. In winter, look for them on large bodies of water, wetlands, and agricultural fields.
Two mute swans on paddling on pond at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
Mute Swan
Cygnus olor
The mute swan is a native of Eurasia that had been transplanted to America. It lives not only in parks and zoos but also, now, in natural habitats. In Missouri, it is seen in winter on rare occasions. Note its arched neck, orange bill, and black forehead knob.
Common loon in nonbreeding plumage floating on a lake
Common Loon
Gavia immer
The common loon, the iconic yodeling bird of northern lakes, may be seen in Missouri during migration and winter. It's less likely we'll see their black-and-white breeding plumage here, but their large size, distinctive shape, and diving behavior helps ID them.
American bittern at Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
American Bittern
Botaurus lentiginosus
The American bittern is a well-camouflaged, stealthy heron that lives in wetlands, lakes, and ponds. In Missouri, we usually see it in spring and fall. Listen in spring, at predawn or dusk, for its distinctive gulping calls.
Closeup photo of head of peregrine falcon
Peregrine Falcon
Falco peregrinus
The fastest living animal, the peregrine falcon can dive at speeds of up to 261 miles per hour! It is being reintroduced to the state in urban areas, where skyscrapers replace the cliffs it traditionally nested on.
Photo of an eastern meadowlark, side view, on snowy ground.
Eastern Meadowlark
Sturnella magna
In prairies and other open grassy areas, eastern meadowlarks sing sweet, slurring songs from fence posts and power lines. Note the long, sharp bill and the yellow breast with black V-shaped marking.
See Also
Photo of a Snowberry Clearwing
Snowberry Clearwing
Hemaris diffinis
The snowberry clearwing is a moth that confuses people because it looks like a bumblebee and flies like a hummingbird!
White-Lined Sphinx Moth
White-Lined Sphinx
Hyles lineata
The white-lined sphinx moth sometimes confuses people because it flies, hovers, and eats from flowers like a hummingbird. The adults often fly during daylight hours as well as in the night and are often found at lights.
Photo of a Virginia Creeper Sphinx moth
Virginia Creeper Sphinx
Darapsa myron
The Virginia creeper sphinx moth is common in woods and brushy areas and comes to lights at night. The larvae eat Virginia creeper and grape leaves.
Photo of a tricolored bat hanging from a cave ceiling.
Tri-Colored Bat
Perimyotis subflavus (formerly Pipistrellus subflavus)
Tri-colored bats, formerly called eastern pipistrelles, are relatively small and look pale yellowish or pale reddish brown. The main hairs are dark gray at the base, broadly banded with yellowish brown, and tipped with dark brown.
Photo of four gray myotises clinging to a cave ceiling.
Gray Myotis (Gray Bat)
Myotis grisescens
Gray myotises are difficult to distinguish from other mouse-eared bats. A key identifying feature of the gray myotis is that its wing is attached to the ankle and not at the base of the toes. It’s an endangered species.
Photo of a little brown myotis hanging from cave wall with lesions on its wrist.
Little Brown Myotis (Little Brown Bat)
Myotis lucifugus
The little brown myotis (little brown bat) is one of our most common bats, but populations are declining. White-nose syndrome has taken a heavy toll in northeastern states. This species is now listed as vulnerable across its range.
Photo of an Indiana myotis hanging from a cave ceiling.
Indiana Myotis (Indiana Bat)
Myotis sodalis
The Indiana myotis, or Indiana bat, summers along streams and rivers in north Missouri, raising its young under the bark of certain trees. It is an endangered species.

About Birds in Missouri

About 350 species of birds are likely to be seen in Missouri, though nearly 400 have been recorded within our borders. Most people know a bird when they see one — it has feathers, wings, and a bill. Birds are warm-blooded, and most species can fly. Many migrate hundreds or thousands of miles. Birds lay hard-shelled eggs (often in a nest), and the parents care for the young. Many communicate with songs and calls.

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