Welcome to the vibrant world of water birds in Missouri. Nestled in America’s heartland, Missouri’s diverse habitats, from the rippling waves of the Mississippi to the serene ponds of its national parks, play host to an impressive variety of water birds. Their fascinating behaviors and diverse species composition make bird watching a favorite pastime for both residents and visitors alike.
Missouri water birds
| Species | Frequency | Where to Find in Missouri |
|---|---|---|
| American White Pelican | Common | Mississippi River, Lake of the Ozarks |
| Double-Crested Cormorant | Very Common | Statewide, especially in aquatic habitats |
| Great Blue Heron | Very Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Great Egret | Common | Statewide in marshy areas |
| Snowy Egret | Uncommon | Southern Missouri in marshy areas |
| Green Heron | Common | Statewide in wetland areas |
| Black-Crowned Night-Heron | Uncommon | Urban parks, wetlands |
| Mallard | Very Common | Statewide in all types of wetlands |
| Wood Duck | Very Common | Statewide in forested wetlands |
| Blue-Winged Teal | Common | Wetland areas statewide |
| Northern Pintail | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially northern |
| Canvasback | Uncommon | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Redhead | Common | Larger lakes and rivers |
| Ring-Necked Duck | Common | Statewide, especially in aquatic habitats |
| Bufflehead | Common | Lakes and ponds statewide |
| Hooded Merganser | Common | Forested wetlands statewide |
| Common Merganser | Uncommon | Larger lakes and rivers, particularly north |
| American Coot | Common | Lakes and wetlands statewide |
| Sandhill Crane | Uncommon | Along Mississippi River, northern wetlands |
| American Wigeon | Common | Wetlands statewide, especially northern |
| Osprey | Uncommon | Large lakes and rivers |
| Common Loon | Uncommon | Large lakes in northern Missouri |
Water Bird Species Found in Missouri
Where to Spot Missouri’s Water Birds
Mingo National Wildlife Refuge, Puxico: Situated in southeastern Missouri, this refuge is known for its rich water bird diversity including species like Mallards, Northern Pintails, the yellow crowned night heron and Great Blue Herons. The boardwalk provides great opportunities for birdwatching.
Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City: This refuge is famous for its huge concentrations of Snow Geese and other migratory waterfowl. Numerous species of ducks (spot the mallard by its yellow bill), herons - especially the little blue heron, and egrets can also be spotted here.
Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area, Columbia: A part of the Missouri River floodplain, this area is a bird watcher’s paradise, with a wide variety of waterfowl, shorebirds, and long necked wading birds. Highlights include American White Pelicans and Double-crested Cormorants.
Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary, West Alton: Located near the confluence of the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers, with it’s dense vegetation it’s a major stop for migrating water birds. One might see species like Trumpeter Swans and Canvasbacks, amongst others.
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge, Mound City: Renowned for being a critical habitat for American avocets, Black-necked Stilts, and Snowy Egrets, this refuge attracts bird watchers from all around the country.
| Neighboring State | Best Spots for Birdwatching |
|---|---|
| Iowa Water Birds | Neal Smith National Wildlife Refuge, DeSoto National Wildlife Refuge, Union Slough National Wildlife Refuge |
| Illinois Water Birds | Montrose Point Bird Sanctuary, Starved Rock State Park, Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie |
| Kentucky Water Birds | Kentucky Dam Village State Resort Park, Lake Barkley State Resort Park, Cave Run Lake |
| Tennessee Water Birds | Reelfoot Lake State Park, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, Radnor Lake State Park |
| Arkansas Water Birds | Arkansas Post National Memorial, Mammoth Spring State Park, Millwood State Park |
| Oklahoma Water Birds | Salt Plains National Wildlife Refuge, Sequoyah National Wildlife Refuge, Lake Thunderbird State Park |
| Kansas Water Birds | Quivira National Wildlife Refuge, Cheyenne Bottoms Wildlife Area, Marais Des Cygnes National Wildlife Refuge |
| Nebraska Water Birds | Rowe Sanctuary, Crescent Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Platte River State Park |