Missouri's State Bird: The Eastern Bluebird.
According to the Missouri Department of Conservation there have been more than 400 species of birds identified in the state. Approximately 150 species regularly nest in Missouri. To identify a bird in Missouri it is helpful to consider the bird's habitat, size, migration, habits and characteristics, including color, wing and tail features, songs and bill shape.
Bird Watching Tools
The basic tools needed for bird watching and to identify birds in Missouri include a good pair of binoculars, identification books and a list of Missouri birds. In addition, depending on the habitat being explored, appropriate apparel should be worn. For example, when exploring, identifying birds or bird watching at the Cape Girardeau Conservation Nature Center it is recommended that comfortable shoes and clothing appropriate for the weather be worn. In addition, the Missouri Bird Watching site states that white clothing should never be worn while bird watching. Birds have better color and hue perception than humans and white clothing will not allow a bird watcher to get close to the birds.
Habitat
When attempting to identify a bird found in Missouri one of the first considerations to aid in identification is the habitat. Missouri has a diverse range of habitats, including farm land, wetlands, prairie grasslands, forests, backyards and gardens. Examples of habitat related species include the Greater Prairie-Chicken, which might be found in a grassland area, and the Red-headed woodpecker, which might be spotted in the bottom land forests along the Blue River Parkway. Bald Eagles are often seen near Missouri's lakes, bluffs, creeks and rivers.
Migratory or Seasonal
Many of the species of birds identified in Missouri are migratory, or spend time in Missouri only during particular seasons. Knowing when a particular bird nests and where in Missouri will improve your chances of spotting and identifying a particular species. Occasionally rare or unusual migratory birds have been identified in Missouri, including the Cape May warbler and Anna's hummingbird (a West Coast hummingbird).
Bird Features
To identify a particular bird, identify specific features, such as the bird's size, shape of tail and wing feathers, bill shape, color, crest and song. The Missouri state bird, the Eastern Bluebird, can be identified by the beautiful blue color of its back, wings and tail, reddish brown throat and chest with a white belly.
Behavior
Watch for unusual behaviors as a way to identify birds by their characteristics. This often can help in the identification of a species. The scissor-tailed flycatcher found on the prairie grasslands of Missouri has a unique courtship display and when it chases insects it spreads its tail wide.
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