Birds

Photo of cliff swallows gathering mud at a mud puddle.
Birds

Over 11,000 species of birds exist in the world, and nearly 400 of them have been found in Missouri! They are found in every habitat, from city centers to the middle of nowhere. Birds enhance our lives in nearly every way, playing significant roles in the ecosystem, economy, and outdoor recreation. Birds are awesome! 

Sadly, bird numbers are declining at a rapid pace. Since 1970, North America has lost 2.9 billion, or 29 percent of its birds! That’s shocking. But there are simple steps we can take today to help our feathered friends.

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Browse this section to learn:

  • Birdwatching basics
  • What to feed backyard birds
  • How to create backyard habitat for birds
  • General bird facts
  • Why birds matter
  • Why bird numbers are declining and how you can help
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View Missouri bird species in the field guide
Silhouette of swallow
Birds Are Everywhere!

Birds are the most easily observed wildlife and are found in all corners of the world. Their vibrant colors and diverse life strategies fill us with wonder and prod us to get outside to see new species.  

If birdwatching is not already one of your hobbies, spend a little time watching birds and you might just get hooked! 

Featured Topics
Photo of a prairie warbler perched on a red cedar sprig
Identifying Birds

Learn about key features that will help you tell bird species apart. 

Ruby-Throated Hummingbirds
Attracting Hummingbirds

The ruby-throated hummingbird is one of our most fascinating birds. Attract these summer visitors by providing food for them in your yard or garden.

Top Ten Ways to Enjoy Birds on Your Property

Ten things you can do to bring more birds to your property and enjoy watching them.

MDC Bird News
Two brown-headed nuthatches perched in a pine tree near two pine cones

The Squeak is Back! 

MDC and partner organizations are bringing the brown-headed nuthatch back to the Missouri Ozarks. Known for its call that sounds like a rubber ducky, this small songbird has not been seen in Missouri since the early 1900s — until now! 

Read about the reintroduction of brown-headed nuthatches to the Mark Twain National Forest in the April 2021 Missouri Conservationist. 

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Cerulean warbler with Motus tag on its back.

Tracking Birds with Motus

MDC is now part of a new wildlife tracking program called Motus. By tracking bird movement, researchers find out where birds go during migration and how long they stay in those areas. 

Learn how Motus research helps our conservation efforts.

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In This Section
Kids Watching Birds Through Binoculars
Birdwatching

Browse tips and tools to get started identifying birds around your home or out in the field.

woodpecker
Bird Feeding

Learn what seeds, feeders, and landscaping choices will attract which birds to your Missouri backyard.

Bird Facts

More than 390 bird species are known to occur in Missouri. Learn what sets birds apart from other groups of animals.

Gold Finch
Attracting Birds

Provide food, shelter, and habitat to attract birds to your backyard or property.

Photo of an Eastern Bluebird in the snow
Why Should We Care About Birds?

Birds benefit ecosystems and enhance our lives in numerous ways. Find out how. 

Photo of an eastern meadowlark against a blue sky, singing.
Bird Population Declines

Over the last 50 years the number of birds in North America has declined by 29 percent. Learn how you can help slow the declines.