Birds of Missouri

Introduction

The sight of birds flying and gliding high up in the sky is a very common one, even for people living in well-developed areas. However, several urban centers have successfully made it almost impossible to hear bird songs as a result of loud mechanical noises; several species of birds still fly freely, although in lesser numbers now. Some birds have even successfully become pets and domesticated like pigeons and parrots, while other several species still live in the wild. It is also important to note that not all birds can fly, even though it is one of their distinguishing features. A good number of them are water animals who inhabit shallow flowing waters, while the rest are purely terrestrial beings. However, they are all classified as birds and members of the aviary world because of the common similarities which they all have.

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Birds have always been present on earth for ages, but certain species are gradually going extinct and actively being threatened. This is because these creatures enjoy and thrive better in their natural habitats such as forests, open fields, and ponds, all of which are steadily disappearing due to various human activities meant for the good of humanity but ultimately disastrous to the environment. This is why native birds are now being recognized and protected in the regions of their nativity. Most of the states in America are home to different species of birds. The state of Missouri is not left out as it is a well-known birding destination.

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Environmental description of Missouri

This member of the Mid-western states, also known as Cave state, has a population of about six million people with a very long and seasoned history and cultural ties. The state is known to have produced notable individuals in America, such as Mark Twain and Walt Disney. Its economy is subtly diverse, with major revenues coming from beer production as it is home to the highest beer-producing company in the world. Some of its revenue is also obtained from agriculture and tourism. The huge presence of animals contributes significantly to tourism and tourist attraction as the state is immensely blessed with natural and animal resources.

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The wealth of this state’s physical environment and the quality of its natural areas cannot be undervalued as it seats strategically at a meeting point between the Mississippi and Missouri rivers. This sole fact offers the state a very temperate climatic condition and highly supports agriculture and natural grasslands. The natural environment of this state is highly diverse, and it features several different ecological and geological regions which greatly support the life and existence of plants and animals. It is not surprising that the state of Missouri is home to hundreds of animal species ranging from mammals, reptiles to amphibians, fishes, and birds.

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Birds of Missouri

Regions rich in natural grasslands, forests, and other ecological habitats are great attractions for animals, birds especially. The state of Missouri offers such an environment, thus making it a haven for numerous bird species. Like other Mid-western states, it attracts a considerably high population of birders and birdwatchers. There are four hundred and thirty-seven bird species in Missouri, some of which are rare birds. Some of the birds native to Missouri include painted bunting, scarlet tanager, Prairie warbler, ovenbird, Eurasian tree sparrow, house finch, snow bunting, European starling, Northern mockingbird, and gray catbird, just to mention a few.

Painted bunting

This native bird is gradually being threatened, yet it remains the most colorful bird of this state’s wild areas. Their bright colors seem to catch the eyes of most birders, while these birds prefer to stay in thickets. These birds are high perchers and one of the rare birds thousands of people flock to Missouri to see. These beautiful creatures are shy, secretive, and evasive as it is hard for them to be seen by human eyes. However, when spotted, the sight becomes worthwhile because of their tremendous beauty. They are migratory birds and travel mostly at night on short and medium distances with a diet that consists largely of grass seeds and insects.

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Scarlet tanager

Songbirds are particularly very exciting to watch, which is also the case of this medium-sized bird whose similarities with cardinals made it a member of the bird group.

They reside primarily in dense woodlands and deciduous forests but are occasionally seen in parks and shade trees. These flying creatures stay out of sight most times as they preferably forage in high trees. Their diet consists majorly of insects and sometimes fruits when they are in abundance. They often travel during changing seasons but can become a usual sight in Missouri.

Prairie Warbler

It is a small beautiful songbird with black legs, long tails, and pointed bills. These residents of Missouri are found in bushy areas and edges of forests. They are known to feed on a wide variety of insects and tree bark. Sometimes, they can migrate for short periods, either for breeding or raising of young ones. A visit to Missouri would afford you the chance to closely observe these tiny singing sensations.

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Ovenbird

This bird tends to add weight during winter, which is when it begins its journey of migration. They are songbirds often hard to identify or tell apart as both sexes look very much alike. They generally feed on dead leaves, insects, and fruits.

Eurasian tree sparrow

This highly sought-after bird species proudly calls Missouri home, with several of them found within the borders of the state. These birds feed mostly on seeds, but other smaller invertebrates can also serve as meals. They are common birds of this Mid-western state which can be sighted regularly.

Conclusion

There are still hundreds of bird species that roam the wild fields of Missouri in even large numbers. Therefore, it is in the best interest of passionate birders to find their way into this state to have a wonderful birding experience.