Birds in Missouri

Most common birds in Missouri

Most common bird diets

About the Birds

Northern Cardinal

Within the genus Cardinalis, the northern cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is sometimes referred to as the redbird, common cardinal, red cardinal, or simply cardinal. With a crest on its head and a body length of 8.3–9.1in, the northern cardinal is a medium-sized songbird that perches. Although its primary diet consists of grains, the northern cardinal also consumes fruit and insects. The male has territorial behavior, using singing to mark his territory.

Downy Woodpecker

The smallest species of woodpecker in North America is the downy woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens). Length is between 5.5 and 7.1 inches. Except for the deserts in the southwest and the northern tundra, downy woodpeckers are mainly found in wooded regions across the United States and Canada. The downy woodpecker has a white back, throat, and belly, with white spots on its wings. Its upperparts are primarily black.

Dark-eyed Junco

A species of junco, a collection of tiny, grayish New World sparrows, is the dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis). Although the plumage characteristics of adult dark-eyed juncos vary a confusing lot, they often have gray heads, necks, and breasts, as well as gray or brown backs and wings and a white belly.

House Finch

Within the Fringillidae family of finches is the house finch, or Haemorhous mexicanus. This bird is of a moderate size. The length of an adult bird is 5–6 inches. Adults are dark or dull-brown across the back, with some wing feather fading into deep gray. They have a long, brown tail with square tips.

Tufted Titmmouse

Baeolophus bicolor, or the tufted titmouse, is a tiny songbird native to North America. These tiny birds are defined in grey on the upper body, with white on the front and rust-colored flanks. Their tufted gray crest on their heads and their black foreheads are two further distinguishing features.