In the land of Missouri, when the warm seasons of spring and summer roll around, one can find an abundance of yellow-feathered avian creatures known as birds. These vibrant beings, referred to as yellow birds, include various species such as warblers, orioles, and tanagers. However, it is during the colder winter months that only the American Goldfinch graces the region with its bright yellow presence.
To aid in the identification of these yellow birds, a comprehensive guide has been crafted, providing you with an array of resources. This guide furnishes you with vivid pictures, informative details for identification, recorded songs, and migration patterns.
Among the yellow birds dwelling in Missouri, a notable mention goes to the American Goldfinch and the Cedar Waxwing, which can be found throughout the year. During the summer, additional species, including the Eastern Meadowlark, Common Yellowthroat, Summer Tanager, Baltimore Oriole, White-eyed Vireo, Dickcissel, Orchard Oriole, American Redstart, Yellow-throated Vireo, Yellow Warbler, Yellow-throated Warbler, Prothonotary Warbler, Scarlet Tanager, Blue-winged Warbler, Pine Warbler, Prairie Warbler, Western Kingbird, Hooded Warbler, and Painted Bunting, make appearances. In the winter, the Yellow-rumped Warbler and Western Meadowlark grace the region. Finally, during migration periods, Missouri welcomes species like the Nashville Warbler, Magnolia Warbler, Palm Warbler, Black-throated Green Warbler, Orange-crowned Warbler, Wilson’s Warbler, Canada Warbler, Yellow-headed Blackbird, and Cape May Warbler.
By delving into this comprehensive guide, you will acquire the necessary knowledge to identify the yellow birds you come across in Missouri. To provide ease of reference, the yellow birds have been conveniently organized based on their frequency of sightings during the spring and summer months of May and June, as per ebird checklists.
With the aid of this guide, the task of identifying yellow birds will be significantly simplified. So, read on and embark on an exciting journey of spotting and recognizing these splendid yellow-feathered creatures. The world of Missouri’s yellow birds awaits your discovery!
Below, you will find a compilation of 32 yellow bird species that can be found in Missouri:
1. American Goldfinch
To identify the American Goldfinch, observe its distinctive features. The males showcase a remarkable combination of bright yellow plumage with contrasting black accents during the spring. However, during winter, both males and females adopt a duller brown coloration.
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.7 ounces (11-20 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
American Goldfinches can be spotted across North America and are present all year. However, those breeding in Canada and the Midwest migrate to the southern regions of the United States during the winter. They can be found in weedy fields, overgrown areas, suburbs, parks, and backyards, foraging on sunflower, thistle, and aster plants. Attract them to your backyard by planting thistles and milkweed, and provide sunflower and nyjer seeds in bird feeders.
Fun Fact: American Goldfinches have a strictly vegetarian diet, making them unsuitable parents for cowbird chicks, as they require a different diet.
2. Yellow-rumped Warbler
The Yellow-rumped Warbler is a winter visitor to Missouri, with increased numbers observed during migration in April and October. This species exhibits gray plumage
with vibrant yellow patches on the face, sides, and rump, while the wings display white markings.
Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-13 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.1 inches (19-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers predominantly breed in Canada, the Rockies, and the Appalachian mountains. During migration, they pass through the Midwest and subsequently overwinter in southern US states, the Pacific Coast, Mexico, and Central America. Coniferous forests serve as their preferred habitat during the breeding season, while open areas with fruiting shrubs provide suitable winter grounds. Their diet consists mainly of insects during the summer and fruits, including bayberry and wax myrtle, during migration and winter.
Fun Fact: Yellow-rumped Warblers form large flocks during winter and can display aggressive behavior towards other species.
3. Eastern Meadowlark
The Eastern Meadowlark, classified as a near-threatened species, can be spotted all year in Missouri, but it is more commonly observed during the breeding season.
Scientific name: Sturnella magna
Size: 7.5-10.2 inches (19-26 cm)
Weight: 3.2-5.3 ounces (90-150 g)
Wingspan: 13.8-15.8 inches (35-40 cm)
Eastern Meadowlarks exhibit a bright yellow underside and pale brown plumage with black markings on the back. They possess a distinctive black band across the chest. These birds inhabit eastern US states throughout the year, with breeding occurring in the Northeast, Canada, and the southern border. During winter, large flocks of Eastern Meadowlarks gather in fields to search for seeds.
Fun Fact: Eastern Meadowlarks are known for their melodious flute-like whistles, which signify the arrival of spring in the East.
4. Common Yellowthroat
Common Yellowthroats are primarily observed during the breeding season, spanning from April to October. Approximately 24% of summer checklists in Missouri contain sightings of these birds.
Scientific name: Geothlypis trichas
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.3 ounces (9-10 g)
Wingspan: 5.9-7.5 inches (15-19 cm)
Common Yellowthroats feature brownish backs and bright yellow undersides, with long tails. Males possess black masks across their faces. Geographical variations can affect the intensity of their yellow coloration, with some individuals displaying a more olive hue. They breed across most of North America, excluding Alaska and northern Canada. Certain populations remain year-round along the Gulf Coast and Pacific Southwest, while others migrate south for winter.
Common Yellowthroats prefer marshy areas and thick vegetation, where they construct nests near the ground using grass and reeds. Their diet primarily consists of insects.
Fun Fact: The presence of a black mask on male Common Yellowthroats serves as a signal during courtship, leading to attacks on fake birds with masks but not on those without.
5. Summer Tanager (Female)
Summer Tanagers grace the Missouri landscape during the breeding season, particularly from April to October. However, a few individuals may linger until January.
Scientific name: Piranga rubra
Size: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounce (30 g)
Male Summer Tanagers exhibit a vibrant red plumage and possess robust, chunky beaks. Females and juveniles, on the other hand, primarily display shades of yellow with
hints of green on their backs. Summer Tanagers breed in southern and eastern US states before embarking on a winter migration to Central and South America.
These birds can be found in open woodlands, where they feed on bees and wasps by catching them mid-flight, eliminating their stingers, and consuming them. They construct nests toward the end of overhanging branches using grass and plant materials.
Fun Fact: Young Scarlet Tanagers receive continued parental care for several weeks after leaving the nest, as their flying abilities develop gradually.
6. Cedar Waxwing
Cedar Waxwings frequent Missouri throughout the year, with increased numbers observed during migration in May and from September to November.
Scientific name: Bombycilla cedrorum
Size: 5.5-6.7 inches (14-17 cm)
Weight: 1.1 ounce (32 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 inches (22-30 cm)
Cedar Waxwings possess a pale brown coloration on the head, chest, and crest, which transitions to gray on the back, wings, and tail. Their bellies feature a pale yellow hue, and their wingtips display vibrant yellow accents. Additionally, they have narrow black masks across their eyes. These social birds can be found in berry bushes, woodlands, grasslands, towns, and along streams. While their diet primarily consists of fruit, they also consume insects, particularly during the summer months.
Fun Fact: Cedar Waxwings engage in the exchange of gifts during courtship, passing objects between potential mates.
7. Baltimore Oriole (Female)
Baltimore Orioles spend the breeding season in Missouri, predominantly observed from April to September.
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Size: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.4 ounces (30-40 g)
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 inches (23-30 cm)
Male Baltimore Orioles exhibit striking orange and black plumage, accompanied by white wing bars on their black wings. Females possess yellowish undersides, heads, and grayish-brown wings. Their back feathers showcase a brownish-yellow hue. These birds are roughly the size of a Robin but possess a more slender physique. Baltimore Orioles breed in the Eastern and Central States, including certain provinces in central-southern Canada and along the southern US border. They migrate to Florida, Central America, and the Caribbean for winter, often departing as early as July.
Baltimore Orioles can be found in open woodlands, riverbanks, forest edges, parks, and backyards. Their diet primarily consists of insects such as beetles, crickets, grasshoppers, spiders, and snails. Additionally, they consume a wide variety of fruits, although they can cause damage to crops such as raspberries, mulberries, cherries, bananas, and oranges.
Fun Fact: The intricate hanging nests woven by Baltimore Orioles are a remarkable sight to behold.
8. White-eyed Vireo
White-eyed Vireos can be observed in Missouri during the breeding season, predominantly from April to October.
Scientific name: Vireo griseus
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 ounces (10-14 g)
Wingspan: 6.7 inches (17 cm)
White-eyed Vireos possess gray heads with yellow tones around their foreheads, complemented by distinct white eyes. Their chests and throats feature white plumage, while their sides showcase yellow hues. They have greenish backs with darker wings and two white wingbars. During summer, White-eyed V
ireos can be found across the southeastern United States, hidden within thickets. Some individuals remain year-round near the coast, while others migrate to the southeast coast of Mexico and the Caribbean for winter.
These birds thrive in overgrown pastures, brambles, and trees, where they feed on insects, flies, and spiders. They also consume berries during winter.
Fun Fact: White-eyed Vireos exhibit extensive singing during winter, with males ceasing their vocalizations after spring and summer.
9. Dickcissel
Dickcissels are frequently spotted in Missouri during the breeding season, particularly from May to October.
Scientific name: Spiza americana
Size: 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.4 ounces (25.6-38.4 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-10.2 inches (24.8-26 cm)
Male Dickcissels boast striking features, including a black throat patch and a yellow chest. Their grayish heads emphasize a vibrant yellow eyebrow line. Females exhibit similar markings but with a slightly paler or duller tone. However, females lack the black throat patch, and the yellow chest is only faintly visible. Dickcissels breed in the Central and Great Plains of the United States before embarking on winter migrations to Mexico, Central America, and northern South America.
These birds can be found in meadows, prairies, tall grasslands, light-grazed pastures, and roadsides. Their diet primarily consists of insects, including grasshoppers, caterpillars, beetles, and crickets. They may also consume seeds, weeds, grasses, and cultivated grains, depending on the season.
Fun Fact: Dickcissels form immense flocks during fall migration, with numbers ranging from thousands to millions as they reach their winter grounds.
10. Orchard Oriole (Female)
Galveston Co., TX
April 2012
Orchard Orioles frequent Missouri during the breeding season, with sightings primarily reported from April to September.
Scientific name: Icterus spurius
Size: 5.9-7.1 inches (15-18 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.0 ounce (16-28 g)
Wingspan: 9.8 inches (25 cm)
Female Orchard Orioles exhibit greenish-yellow plumage, appearing paler underneath and darker on the back, with additional darker wings and white wingbars.
These birds breed in the eastern half of the United States, migrating south to Mexico and Central America for winter. Orchard Orioles favor open woodlands, riverbanks, open shrublands, farms, and backyards as their habitats. They construct hanging pouch-like nests.
Their diet primarily comprises insects such as ants, caterpillars, beetles, and grasshoppers. Additionally, they feed on nectar from flowers and consume fruits like mulberries and chokeberries.
Fun Fact: Orchard Orioles are the smallest species of blackbirds found in North America.
These are just a few examples of the diverse array of yellow birds that can be found in Missouri. By exploring the comprehensive guide, you’ll discover further fascinating species and gain the knowledge needed to identify them. Happy bird watching!
11. American Redstart
American Redstarts make their presence known in Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 17% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga ruticilla
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Male American Redstarts showcase a striking combination of black and orange plumage, with bold black markings on their heads, backs, and tails. Females, on the other hand, exhibit more subdued gray and yellow coloring. These birds breed across most of North America, excluding the western regions. During the winter, they migrate to Central and South America.
American Redstarts are commonly found in dense forests, where they actively forage for insects. They are known for their distinctive flashing behavior, where they fan out their tails and wings to flush out insects for easier capture.
Fun Fact: American Redstarts are known for their vibrant and energetic displays, which include tail fanning and aerial acrobatics.
12. Yellow-throated Vireo
Yellow-throated Vireos can be spotted in Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 8% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Vireo flavifrons
Size: 5.5 inches (14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces (11-17 g)
Wingspan: 9-9.8 inches (23-25 cm)
Yellow-throated Vireos exhibit a combination of yellow and green plumage, with a distinct yellow throat. Their backs showcase shades of olive green. These birds breed across eastern and southeastern US states, as well as southern Canada. During winter, they migrate to Central and northern South America.
You can find Yellow-throated Vireos in deciduous forests and wooded areas, where they actively search for insects. Their diet primarily consists of caterpillars, beetles, and other small arthropods.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Vireos are known for their beautiful and melodic songs, which can be heard echoing through the forests during the breeding season.
13. Yellow Warbler
Yellow Warblers frequent Missouri during the summer breeding season, making appearances in approximately 22% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga petechia
Size: 4.7 inches (12 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Yellow Warblers, as their name suggests, showcase vibrant yellow plumage. Males exhibit reddish streaks on their breasts. These birds breed across most of North America, excluding the western regions. Some populations undertake long migrations to Central and South America for winter.
Yellow Warblers favor various habitats, including wetlands, open woodlands, and shrubby areas. They actively feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits and berries.
Fun Fact: Yellow Warblers are known for their sweet, high-pitched songs, often compared to the repetition of the phrase “Sweet, sweet, sweet, I’m so sweet.”
14. Yellow-throated Warbler
Yellow-throated Warblers grace Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 7% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga dominica
Size: 5.5-5.9 inches (14-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-14 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.
4 inches (22-24 cm)
Yellow-throated Warblers exhibit a combination of yellow and black plumage, with vibrant yellow throats and breasts. Their backs are predominantly black. These birds breed across the southeastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest. Some populations reside in Florida and the Caribbean year-round.
You can find Yellow-throated Warblers in mature forests and woodlands, particularly near bodies of water. They primarily feed on insects, spiders, and occasionally small fruits.
Fun Fact: Yellow-throated Warblers are skilled insect catchers, often hovering to snatch insects mid-air.
15. Prothonotary Warbler
Prothonotary Warblers enchant Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 14% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Protonotaria citrea
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 inches (18-20 cm)
Prothonotary Warblers showcase vibrant yellow plumage, with males exhibiting more intense coloring than females. They possess bluish-gray wings and backs, as well as a prominent beak. These birds breed across the southeastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest. Some populations overwinter in Central and northern South America.
Prothonotary Warblers primarily inhabit wetland areas, such as swamps and flooded forests. They actively forage for insects and spiders, often near or above the water.
Fun Fact: Prothonotary Warblers are the only eastern warbler species that nest in tree cavities or nest boxes near the water.
16. Scarlet Tanager
Scarlet Tanagers bring a burst of color to Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 12% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Piranga olivacea
Size: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Weight: 0.9-1.2 ounces (26-34 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-10.6 inches (25-27 cm)
Male Scarlet Tanagers exhibit striking scarlet plumage, which contrasts with their black wings and tail. Females possess more subdued yellow-green coloring. These birds breed across the eastern US states and parts of southern Canada. During winter, they migrate to northern South America.
Scarlet Tanagers primarily inhabit deciduous forests, where they actively search for insects and spiders. They occasionally consume fruits and berries.
Fun Fact: Male Scarlet Tanagers undergo a molting process, transitioning from their vibrant red plumage to a yellow-green coloration during their winter stay in South America.
17. Blue-winged Warbler
Blue-winged Warblers make appearances in Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 8% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Vermivora cyanoptera
Size: 4.7-5.1 inches (12-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.5 inches (18-19 cm)
Blue-winged Warblers showcase yellow plumage, with males exhibiting blue-gray wings and distinct white wing bars. Females possess similar coloration without the blue wings. These birds breed across the eastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest. They undertake short migrations to Central and northern South America for winter.
Blue-winged Warblers inhabit open woodlands, brushy areas, and regenerating forests. They actively forage for insects and occasionally consume small fruits.
Fun Fact: Blue-winged Warblers often hybridize with other warbler species
, resulting in unique hybrids known as “Brewster’s Warblers” and “Lawrence’s Warblers.”
18. Pine Warbler
Pine Warblers grace Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 16% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga pinus
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Pine Warblers showcase olive-green plumage, with yellow undersides. They possess distinct white wing bars. These birds breed across the eastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest and Canada. Some populations overwinter in the southeastern US and Florida.
Pine Warblers primarily inhabit pine forests and coniferous woodlands, where they actively forage for insects and spiders. They occasionally consume small seeds and berries.
Fun Fact: Pine Warblers are skilled climbers, often exploring tree trunks and branches in search of prey.
19. Prairie Warbler
Prairie Warblers bring their cheerful songs to Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 10% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga discolor
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Prairie Warblers showcase yellow plumage, with black streaks on their sides and backs. They possess bold black markings around their eyes. These birds breed across the eastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest. Some populations overwinter in the Caribbean and Central America.
Prairie Warblers primarily inhabit shrubby habitats, including open woodlands, prairies, and old fields. They actively forage for insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Prairie Warblers construct intricate, cup-shaped nests using grasses, bark strips, and plant fibers.
20. Western Kingbird
Western Kingbirds make appearances in Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 5% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Tyrannus verticalis
Size: 7.5-8.7 inches (19-22 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.3 ounces (31-37 g)
Wingspan: 15.4-16.1 inches (39-41 cm)
Western Kingbirds showcase a combination of yellow and gray plumage, with a pale yellow belly. They possess a distinctive gray head and a black mask across their eyes. These birds breed across the western US states, extending into parts of Canada and Mexico. Some populations migrate to Central America for winter.
Western Kingbirds primarily inhabit open habitats, such as grasslands, farmlands, and open woodlands. They actively hunt insects, capturing them in mid-air.
Fun Fact: Western Kingbirds are known for their aggressive behavior when defending their territories, often engaging in aerial pursuits to ward off intruders.
21. Hooded Warbler
Hooded Warblers add a touch of mystery to Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 9% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga citrina
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.1 inches (17-18 cm)
Hooded Warblers exhibit a combination of yellow and black plumage, with males sporting a striking black hood. Females
possess similar coloration, but with a duller appearance. These birds breed across the eastern US states and parts of the Midwest. Some populations overwinter in Central America and the Caribbean.
Hooded Warblers primarily inhabit dense understory vegetation in deciduous forests, where they actively forage for insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Hooded Warblers have a distinct vocalization, a loud “witchity-witchity-witchity” song that is often heard in their habitat.
22. Painted Bunting
Painted Buntings bring their vibrant colors to Missouri during the summer breeding season, appearing in approximately 3% of summer checklists.
Scientific name: Passerina ciris
Size: 4.7-5.5 inches (12-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.6 ounces (12-17 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Male Painted Buntings are known for their stunning plumage, featuring a combination of bright blue, green, and red colors. Females, on the other hand, possess a more subtle green coloration. These birds breed across the southeastern US states, extending into parts of the Midwest. Some populations migrate to Mexico and Central America for winter.
Painted Buntings primarily inhabit brushy areas, including thickets, hedgerows, and edges of woodlands. They actively feed on seeds, fruits, and insects.
Fun Fact: Male Painted Buntings are often described as the most colorful songbirds in North America, attracting attention with their vibrant appearance.
23. Yellow-rumped Warbler
Yellow-rumped Warblers frequent Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 24% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Setophaga coronata
Size: 5.1-5.5 inches (13-14 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.5 ounces (12-14 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 inches (20-23 cm)
Yellow-rumped Warblers exhibit a combination of yellow, gray, and white plumage, with a yellow patch on their rumps. They possess a distinctive black mask across their eyes. These birds breed across northern North America, including parts of Canada and Alaska. During winter, they migrate southward to the southern US states, Mexico, and Central America.
Yellow-rumped Warblers primarily inhabit coniferous forests, where they actively forage for insects and berries.
Fun Fact: Yellow-rumped Warblers have a remarkable adaptation that allows them to digest wax-coated berries, such as those from bayberry and wax myrtle plants.
24. Western Meadowlark
Western Meadowlarks add their melodious songs to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 9% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Sturnella neglecta
Size: 7.1-10.2 inches (18-26 cm)
Weight: 4.9-5.6 ounces (140-160 g)
Wingspan: 15.4-18.1 inches (39-46 cm)
Western Meadowlarks showcase a combination of yellow and brown plumage, with distinctive black V-shaped markings on their chests. These birds breed across the western US states and parts of Canada. Some populations remain in their breeding grounds year-round, while others migrate to the southern US states and Mexico.
Western Meadowlarks primarily inhabit grasslands, prairies, and agricultural fields, where they forage for insects and seeds.
Fun Fact: Western Meadowlarks have a beautiful and distinctive song, often described as a flutelike melody that rings through their grassland habitats.
25. Nashville Warbler
Warblers grace Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 3% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Leiothlypis ruficapilla
Size: 4.3-5.1 inches (11-13 cm)
Weight: 0.3-0.4 ounces (9-11 g)
Wingspan: 6.7-7.5 inches (17-19 cm)
Nashville Warblers exhibit a combination of yellow and gray plumage, with a distinctive white eye-ring. They possess a rusty cap on their heads. These birds breed across northern North America, including parts of Canada and Alaska. During winter, they migrate to the southern US states, Mexico, and Central America.
Nashville Warblers primarily inhabit coniferous forests and mixed woodlands, where they actively forage for insects and spiders.
Fun Fact: Nashville Warblers are known for their high-pitched and insect-like songs, often delivered from the lower branches of trees.
26. Hermit Thrush
Hermit Thrushes bring their enchanting songs to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 11% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Catharus guttatus
Size: 6.3-7.1 inches (16-18 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.1 ounces (22-31 g)
Wingspan: 11.4-12.2 inches (29-31 cm)
Hermit Thrushes showcase a combination of brown and gray plumage, with a reddish tail. They possess a spotted breast and a white eye-ring. These birds breed across the northern US states and parts of Canada. Some populations migrate to the southern US states and Mexico for winter.
Hermit Thrushes primarily inhabit coniferous and mixed forests, where they actively forage for insects, earthworms, and berries.
Fun Fact: Hermit Thrushes have a beautiful and haunting song, often described as ethereal and flute-like.
27. White-crowned Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrows bring their crisp songs to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 22% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Zonotrichia leucophrys
Size: 6.3-7.5 inches (16-19 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.2 ounces (22-34 g)
Wingspan: 8.7-9.8 inches (22-25 cm)
White-crowned Sparrows exhibit a combination of gray, brown, and black plumage, with distinctive white stripes on their crowns. They possess a pink or yellow bill. These birds breed across the northern US states and parts of Canada. Some populations migrate to the southern US states and Mexico for winter.
White-crowned Sparrows primarily inhabit shrubby areas, brushy fields, and forest edges, where they actively forage for seeds, insects, and berries.
Fun Fact: White-crowned Sparrows have distinct regional dialects in their songs, with populations in different areas having slightly different song patterns.
28. Dark-eyed Junco
Dark-eyed Juncos bring their lively presence to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 26% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Size: 5.1-6.3 inches (13-16 cm)
Weight: 0.6-1.1 ounces (18-31 g)
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 inches (19-25 cm)
Dark-eyed Juncos exhibit a combination of gray and white plumage, with a pink or flesh-colored bill. They possess distinct white outer tail feathers. These birds breed across northern North
America, including parts of Canada and Alaska. During winter, they migrate to the southern US states and Mexico.
Dark-eyed Juncos primarily inhabit forested areas, brushy fields, and suburban gardens, where they actively forage for seeds and insects.
Fun Fact: Dark-eyed Juncos have different color variations, known as “slate-colored,” “Oregon,” “Pink-sided,” “Gray-headed,” and “White-winged,” each with unique plumage patterns.
29. American Tree Sparrow
American Tree Sparrows bring their musical trill to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 9% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Spizelloides arborea
Size: 5.5-6.3 inches (14-16 cm)
Weight: 0.7-1.0 ounces (20-28 g)
Wingspan: 7.9-8.7 inches (20-22 cm)
American Tree Sparrows exhibit a combination of brown, gray, and white plumage, with a rusty cap and a distinctive dark spot on their breast. These birds breed in the northern US states and parts of Canada. They migrate to the southern US states, Mexico, and occasionally Central America for winter.
American Tree Sparrows primarily inhabit shrubby areas, brushy fields, and woodland edges, where they actively forage for seeds and insects.
Fun Fact: American Tree Sparrows are highly sociable birds, often forming flocks and foraging together during the winter months.
30. Fox Sparrow
Fox Sparrows grace Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 5% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Passerella iliaca
Size: 6.7-7.9 inches (17-20 cm)
Weight: 1.1-1.7 ounces (31-48 g)
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 inches (25-30 cm)
Fox Sparrows exhibit a combination of brown, gray, and rusty plumage, with bold streaks on their breasts. They possess a thick bill and a rounded tail. These birds breed in the northern US states and parts of Canada. They migrate to the southern US states and Mexico for winter.
Fox Sparrows primarily inhabit dense shrubby areas, woodland edges, and forest floors, where they actively forage for seeds, insects, and berries.
Fun Fact: Fox Sparrows have a rich and melodious song that often includes a series of clear whistles and trills.
31. Savannah Sparrow
Savannah Sparrows bring their sweet songs to Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 9% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Passerculus sandwichensis
Size: 4.7-5.9 inches (12-15 cm)
Weight: 0.4-0.8 ounces (12-23 g)
Wingspan: 7.1-7.9 inches (18-20 cm)
Savannah Sparrows exhibit a combination of brown, gray, and white plumage, with streaks on their back and a yellow patch above their eyes. These birds breed in northern North America, including parts of Canada and Alaska. They migrate to the southern US states, Mexico, and Central America for winter.
Savannah Sparrows primarily inhabit open grasslands, fields, and marshes, where they actively forage for seeds and insects.
Fun Fact: Savannah Sparrows have a variety of song variations, and individuals from different regions have distinct dialects.
32. Lapland Longspur
Lapland Longspurs make appearances in Missouri during the winter months, appearing in approximately 4% of winter checklists.
Scientific name: Calcarius lapponicus
Size:
5.9-6.7 inches (15-17 cm)
Weight: 0.8-1.2 ounces (23-34 g)
Wingspan: 10.2-11 inches (26-28 cm)
Lapland Longspurs exhibit a combination of brown, black, and white plumage, with streaks on their back and a distinctive white outer tail feathers. These birds breed in the Arctic tundra regions of North America. They migrate to the northern US states, Mexico, and occasionally Central America for winter.
Lapland Longspurs primarily inhabit open grasslands, fields, and agricultural areas, where they actively forage for seeds and insects.
Fun Fact: Lapland Longspurs undertake one of the longest migrations of any passerine bird, traveling from the Arctic to the southern US and Mexico.