Missouri is home to a diverse range of birds, including the popular show-me state. Some of these species are migratory and only spend the summer or winter in Missouri, while others live throughout the year. We’ll take a look at 25 of Missouri’s most prevalent yard birds and learn something about each one in this article.
I’ll then demonstrate how to bring them to your yard and teach you the 10 distinct types of bird feeders that may be utilized there. Lastly, I’ll list a few excellent local birding groups and some favorite birdwatching places in Missouri.
How many different species of wild birds are in Missouri?
It’s difficult to know precisely how many bird species may be found in North America, the United States, or even in Missouri. Nonetheless, the state of Missouri is home to at least 437 species of birds, according to Wikipedia as of 2020. According to one source, North America contains 2,059 species; according to another source, just 914. These numbers allow us to get a broad understanding of the number of species, but I’m not sure how much I trust them.
We’re going to focus on just a few of the species that people commonly see in Missouri, particularly in gardens, for the purposes of this article.
25 COMMON BACKYARD BIRDS IN MISSOURI
Below, we’ll take a look at 25 species of Missouri birds, including many migrants, in the backyard. These are some of the birds that are most likely to frequent Missouri backyards, but they aren’t all of the species in the state, or even close to it. Let’s get started right now!
1. NORTHERN CARDINAL
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
In North America, Northern Cardinals are one of the most well-known and widely seen backyard birds. Females have duller hues and are more tawny brown with some reddish coloring, whereas males have brilliant red feathers and a black mask. The crests, which resemble mohawks on top of the heads and reddish orange beaks, are easily distinguishable by both males and females.
The Northern Cardinals may be seen all year round in Missouri.
Most seed feeders will be visited by Cardinals, who will provide them with mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
2. TUFTED TITMOUSE
Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in
In their range, these small birds are found both at feeders and in backyards. They have a little mohawk, much like cardinals, that distinguishes them from other birds. With a black patch just above their beaks, titmice are silver-gray on top and lighter on bottom. Under the wing of certain species, an orange patch may be seen.
Throughout Missouri, the Tufted Titmouse may be found all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer black sunflower seeds in addition to mixed seed blends.
3. CHICKADEES
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus (Black-Capped), Poecile carolinensis (Carolina)
Length: 4.7-5.9 in (Black-Capped), 3.9-4.7 in (Carolina)
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz (Black-Capped), 0.3-0.4 oz (Carolina)
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in (Black-Capped), 5.9-7.9 in (Carolina)
Because of their black cap and black bib, chickadees are tiny little birds that are easy to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with white cheeks and gray wings and backs. They’re lively and inquisitive birds, and around bird feeders, they may seem quite fearless.
Black-capped Chickadees and Carolina Chickadees are the two varieties of Chickadees found in the east, and they appear to be identical. Depending on the condition you’re in, you may be able to determine which is which in many areas. Yet, both species may be found in Missouri.
Both species are permanent residents. The southern part of the state is home to Carolina chickadees, while the northern part is home to Black-capped Chickadees.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer a variety of seed mixtures and black sunflower seeds.
4. BLUE JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
In North America and the United States, another very well-known bird species is the American robin. The Blue Jay is a colorful bird. They feature mostly blue feathers on top and white feathers on the bottom of their heads, which has a huge blue crest. They have a black necklace-like ring around their necks. White, blue, and black are the colors of their wings. The coloration of both sexes is the same.
Another year-round resident of Missouri is the Blue Jays, who play all throughout the year. In the backyards and feeders, they’re widespread.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular with Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are ideal.
5. EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia sialis
Length: 6.3-8.3 in
Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in
Bluebirds have a rusty reddish-orange belly and are completely blue on top. The females’ colors, particularly the blues, appear much duller and faded than the males’. In the United States, they are possibly the most desired birds in birdhouses. The bluebird house industry is booming, which is good news for birds. In backyards, they’re abundant, but not as common at feeders. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse, which I put up on Amazon.
Bluebirds do migrate throughout parts of North America, but not Missouri. During the year, you may see the Eastern Bluebird. To learn more, visit the Missouri Bluebird Society.
Feeders with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish may tempt bluebirds to visit, although they don’t usually eat seeds.
6. WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
Feeder birds such as White-breasted Nuthatches are abundant in most backyards within their range. They hatch nuts and seeds back out with their sharp beaks after stuffing them under tree bark. These birds are also better than most other kinds of birds at vertical walking on trees. White-breasted nuthatches have a white head with a thick black stripe above it and on either side of their bodies. They have a chisel-like beak that is longer than other feeder birds, and their wings are mostly gray and black.
Throughout Missouri, White-breasted Nuthatches may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by nuthatches, who will provide them with a variety of seed mixtures. They love suet and are skilled at sticking to it.
7. AMERICAN ROBIN
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Robins are quite prevalent in backyards, where they hop around looking for worms and other invertebrates to devour. During the winter, they often go into the woods, giving the appearance that they are moving out of state. They return to more open areas in the spring. They do not typically eat seeds and will visit bird feeders on occasion. They’re easy to recognize because of their vivid orange spherical bellies, yellow beaks, and greater size.
Throughout the state of Missouri, robins live all year.
Attract them with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath because American Robins do not visit seed feeders often.
8. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Doves are small birds that frequent backyards and may be found perched on power lines or in clusters in trees. They’re frequently seen wandering around on the ground beneath hanging bird feeders, but I’ve occasionally seen them on my tray feeder. Gray with black markings on top, a faint peachy hue below, and pink legs, Mourning Doves are mostly gray. Males and females have the same appearance.
Throughout Missouri, Mourning Doves may be seen all year.
Dove feeders are common, but dove prefer to search the earth for fallen seeds over seed feeders. Place some seeds on the ground or try a ground feeder with a varied seed blend.
Doves are drawn to seed feeders, but prefer searching for fallen seeds on the ground. Throw some seeds on the ground or use a ground feeder with a combination seed blend.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, a hundred starlings were released in New York and have since spread across the United States. They chase feeders away from other birds, destroying their nests and killing their young. They have yellow beaks and feet and are mostly black with white specks on their backs and wings. A purple and green iridescent color can be found in starlings, and they may be quite lovely in the right light.
Throughout the year, starlings may be found in every state except Missouri.
Almost anything will be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not seek to attract them, since they are an invasive species and will turn up anyway.
10. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, seeing goldfinches at feeders is one of my favorite activities, especially when they’re sporting their bright yellow feathers. They had black-tipped wings and were mostly yellow, or “gold,” during this time. Males also have a black hat on their heads. They’ll lose their bright colors and take on a more brown or olive hue throughout the winter. In the winter, they are frequently mistaken for a distinct species because of their appearance. Their black wings with white bars and finch-like beaks will always distinguish them from other birds.
Every year, Missouri is home to goldfinches.
Thistle (nyjer) feeders are preferred by goldfinches. Sunflower chips are another option, but your best bet is to attract them with a thistle feeder.
11. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In Missouri, the House Finch is a very frequent backyard bird. While they are invasive in the east, they are not as despised as House Sparrows and do not cause the same problems. They may appear in huge flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is quite simple to do. The male and female species have substantial white streaking. On the head, chest, and back of males, red splashes appear.
Any time of year, House Finches can be found throughout Missouri.
Black sunflower or mixed seed is preferred by House Finches, who will eat bird feeders. House Finches, like other finches, enjoy eating thistle seeds.
12. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
House Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are often viewed as pests. You can legally trap and kill starlings, in addition to the other birds. They, like starlings, were first spotted in New York around the 1800s and have since spread across the United States as an invasive species. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are mostly brown in color. With a black mask and chest, males typically stand out. In general, they are hostile to other birds, particularly around nests and birdhouses.
Throughout the year, all regions of Missouri have house Sparrows.
House Sparrows, like European Starlings, are invasive and threaten native species. Most seed types will be eaten by them.
13. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
With a buffy gray breast, brown and tan streaked wings, rusty red head, and a black band through the eye with white above, chipping sparrows have their most crisp feathers during the summer. Their patterns might be less apparent in the winter, and their color might become more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to eat on open ground are common.
Only in the spring and summer months can you find Chipping Sparrows throughout Missouri.
Chipping Sparrows are frequently seen at backyard feeders, where they like to collect whatever has fallen to the ground. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
14. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also fairly attractive in the right light, with their iridescent feathers, despite belonging to the bully bird group like the starling. They’re usually dark in color, although hues of blue, green, brown, and purple may be visible in bright light. They can frequently be found in massive flocks numbering in the millions of birds and will roost with other kinds of blackbirds. Their sturdy coloring, long narrow form, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to spot.
Throughout the year, Grackles can be found all over Missouri.
Grackles are considered pests since they are foragers and will eat practically anything.
15. BARN SWALLOW
Scientific name: Hirundo rustica
Length: 5.9-7.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 11.4-12.6 in
Birds in the open field, such as barn swallows. The back is dark blue, the eyes are orange, and the throat is orange. These wonderfully colored birds Their breasts and bellies range in color from light tawny to brilliant orange. Their long, deeply forked tail is one of their defining features. They are swift waterborne fliers that swoop and cruise across water, farmland, and meadow, catching insects in the air. Cup-shaped nests, which are common in the eaves of barns, gazebos, covered pavilions, and under bridges, are made with a combination of mud and grass.
The swallows of winter migrate to the United States. You may see them throughout Missouri during the spring and summer, when they’re breeding.
Barn Swallows avoid bird feeders because they prefer to eat flying insects. If you have a barn, outbuilding, or gazebo, you can try to attract them by erecting a nestbox.
16. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
In the eastern United States, these medium-sized woodpeckers can often be found at feeders and gardens. You may notice the bright red stripe along the back of their heads, despite them being labeled as “red-bellied.” Their breast is normally white, and their lower abdomen is pinkish-red in color, however it is occasionally difficult to see. With the white and black patterning on their wings, they are really easy to spot.
Missouri is home to red-bellied woodpeckers who live all year.
While they may eat at seed feeders, particularly if you provide combinations with peanuts, red-bellied woodpeckers will prefer a suet feeder.
17. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
These common backyard birds prefer to feed at bird feeders and are therefore named as Downy’s. They’re one of the first species I see at a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their white underbodies, black wings with white dots, black and white striped heads, and the red patch on the back of their heads (in males, females lack a red patch) make them easily distinguishable. Downy’s are smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, with shorter beaks that closely resemble them.
Throughout the whole state of Missouri, you may find Downy Woodpeckers all year.
At most types of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are very common. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are all offered.
18. CAROLINA WREN
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz
Wingspan: 11.4 in
The heads of these small birds are reddish-brown, while the bodies are lighter orangish. They have a longish beak that is somewhat bent and a prominent white “eyebrow.” These species prefer to hide in brush and may be difficult to detect, but their loud “teakettle-teakettle” cry is unmistakable.
All year, you may see Carolina Wrens in Missouri.
In backyards, Carolina Wrens may be found around suet feeders on a regular basis.
19. INDIGO BUNTING
Scientific name: Passerina cyanea
Length: 4.7-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
These lovely buntings go up from their wintering grounds in Mexico and southern Florida at night, traveling up. Males are bright blue all over, with a little black on their wings, while females are mostly brown with just hints of blue. Rather than blue pigment, these birds’ feathers reflect light in a different way. Look for them in the summer, when they sing beside fields and forests.
Throughout the spring and summer, Indigo Buntings may be found across Missouri.
They may come to visit, even if you provide mixed seed and nyjer, but they are not as frequent as feeders.
20. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
Since they spend their summers up in Canada, juncos are often referred to as winter birds in the United States. They range in coloration throughout the United States. In the United States, easterners It’s a common sight to see the slate-colored variety.
The head, chest, back, wings, and tail are all dark gray. They have a white belly all the way down to their tail. Females may be brunette in color rather than gray, and may appear similar. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of junco are two things to look for when identifying them. They’re most often seen hopping around on the ground in forests and wooded areas, where they may be seen frequently.
Only in the winter months will you see Dark-eyed Juncos in Missouri.
Juncos will visit feeders on occasion, but rather choose to eat seed that has been dropped by other birds on the ground beneath your feeders. Mixed seeds are appealing to them.
21. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos
Length: 8.3-10.2 in
Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in
The ability of mockingbirds to imitate the songs of other bird species earned them the name. It is believed that a male mockingbird may store up to 200 distinct tunes throughout its lifetime. The rather long tail feathers of these medium-sized backyard birds, which are mostly gray and white in color, may help you identify them. They may be quite aggressive of invading birds and are generally found living in tall bushes.
Northern Mockingbirds may be seen all year in Missouri, however they are most common in the summer months along the state’s northern border.
Backyard populations of Northern Mockingbirds are huge, but they don’t visit bird feeders. Using some of the other suggestions below, such as fruit-bearing bushes or a bird bath, entice them to your yard.
22. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most numerous hummer species in the United States, although they are only found in the east. In the Eastern United States, they are also the only hummingbird species that breeds. Because the males have a bright crimson throat, they are given this name. The backs, wings, and heads of Ruby-throated Hummers are emerald-green, while the underparts are white. The red throat feathers are not visible on females.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common hummers in Missouri, so you may occasionally encounter a few uncommon roamong types. From spring to fall, they can be found across the state.
If you put out nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are very likely to appear in your backyards, particularly in April or May.
23. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Length: 6.3-7.1 in
Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in
The White-throated Sparrow may be found across the United States. They breed in the summer after spending the winter in Canada. Along with their bold facial pattern of black and white stripes with yellow dots between the eyes, their white throat patch makes them easier to identify among sparrows. Females prefer to nest in secluded parts of thicket and plants, usually on or just above the ground.
Throughout the winter months, white-throated sparrows can be found across Missouri.
Feeders are visited by white-throated sparrows, who like to collect spilled seed beneath them. Sunflower, millet, and combinationseed blends are available.
24. BROWN-HEADED COWBIRD
Scientific name: Molothrus ater
Length: 7.5 – 8.7 in
Weight: 1.5 – 1.8 oz
Wingspan: 12.6 – 15.0 in
Because of the males’ color as well as their tendency to travel in huge flocks (sometimes mingled with actual blackbirds), brown-headed cowbirds are often classified as “blackbirds.” The iridescent black body of males contrasts with the dark brown head. The entire body of females is lighter brown.
Cowbirds, on the other hand, are nest parasites who lay their eggs in the nests of other birds, reducing the overall number of birds. They may sneak one egg into the nest among the others, or they may push other eggs out to make room for their own. The imposter egg is often rejected by many birds, who treat the egg as if it were their own.
Throughout Missouri, Cowbirds may be seen all year, however in the extreme northwestern part of the state, they can only be seen during spring and summer.
Feeders are frequently visited by brown-headed cowbirds, who may number in the hundreds. They’ll devour practically any variety of mixed seed.
25. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
In backyards throughout the United States, these medium to big sized woodpeckers are quite frequent, albeit not particularly frequent at feeders. They are, in my opinion, some of the most gorgeous birds in North America. Unlike other woodpeckers, flickers prefer to find insects on the ground rather than in trees, and they feed primarily on them. The black specks on their bellies, solid black bib, crimson patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings will help you identify them. A black beard on males is called a mustache. The yellow-shafted variety of Missouri has brilliant yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail, as well as a bright yellow shaft.
In Missouri, the northern flickers can be found throughout the year.
Despite the fact that Northern Flickers do not visit feeders as often as other woodpecker species, they will still visit suet feeders. You may observe them digging around for bugs if you have some leaf mounds in the yard.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to attract some of these birds to your property? Begin with the most basic of these five tips and see for yourself.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
Attracting birds to your yard is easiest and most apparent by installing a bird feeder or two. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all options to consider. The following are some ideas for each of them:
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
A pedestal birdbath, like the one on Amazon, is ideal, but you can use a terra cotta flower pot saucer instead. Birds require water not only to bathe in, but also to drink, and adding a water feature to your yard will only increase your chance of attracting birds. In addition, since flowing water will encourage the birds to visit the pool even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If put in the proper location at the proper time of year, several kinds of birds will quickly take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most common birds sought after for birdhouses are Eastern Bluebirds. A mating pair of bluebirds checked out my birdhouse the same day I put it in, and I have it in my yard.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
Make sure there are trees, greenery, and flowers in your yard that the birds can retreat to when they sense danger. Predators are kept at bay by this. Try your hardest to incorporate some landscaping characteristics that will allow birds to view your yard as a safe place if your property is perhaps in a new development with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that provide nuts, berries, and seeds will only help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds who eat them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants support caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and help nesting birds. Invasive and non-native plants may out-compete native flora, which can harm an ecosystem. Try to limit the number of invasive and non-native plants you have.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
The most popular bird feeders that people put up in their gardens are shown here.
- The term “hopper feeder” refers to a device with a hopper chamber in the center that stores the bird seed. Perches for birds to perch on and feed from can be found on the sides. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a house and have a roof. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mix of birdseed. Here’s a squirrel-proof hopper feeder that I really like.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree or hook, or pole-mounted. They’re also known as tray feeders. They’re simple to set up and great for feeding a wide range of birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will devour them, despite the fact that they are completely open. This type of feeder can be made out of black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. At the moment, I’m out in my back garden with this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are clear plastic tube-shaped bird feeders. They may hold from a few cups to 5 pounds or more of seed. They’re fantastic since they allow you to easily refill your seed while keeping it fresh and dry. Tube feeders are used by a variety of birds. Tube feeders can be used to feed both black sunflower seeds and mixed seeds. This squirrel-proof tube feeder is made by Squirrel Buster and is among the best on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes to one type of bird. They are a very basic design, generally consisting of just a metal wire cage and a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are commonly used during the winter, when birds are seeking high-fat foods and woodpeckers are visiting them. I recommend the Pileated and Northern Flicker woodpeckers because they can be attracted to a suet feeder with a long tail prop.
- Small bird feeders known as window feeders use suction cups to mount onto a glass window. Tray feeders are open on top and you pour seed into them to replenish them, which is similar to how they work. These feeders are great for people who don’t have huge yards, and they’re especially popular with a variety of bird species. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This is, without a doubt, the most well-liked bird feeder on Amazon, and maybe on the internet as a whole.
- Thistle feeders, sometimes known as Nyjer feeders, are sophisticated bird feeders designed exclusively for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, including the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders feature tiny holes along the tube’s sides that enable birds to pick thistle from the feeder. They are generally tube-shaped. Droll Yankees has a nice thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground rather than on a higher level. Birds such as Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other kinds of ground creatures will like them. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or mixed birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is a nice choice.
- Another kind of specialty feeder for just one kind of bird, orioles, is the Oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are commonly used to feed the feeder itself. Another food that orioles like is sticky orange halves, which they also enable you to feed. This is a four-jelly tray feeder that can hold orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders are created specificaly for hummingbirds to extract sugar water from nectar feeders, also known as hummingbird feeders. I frequently see Downy Woodpeckers at my gardens, despite the fact that they’re intended for hummingbirds. Read our hummingbird nectar making tutorial to find out how to make it without using hot water. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder because they are simple and cheap, as shown in the image above.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and generally made out of metal wire mesh material. They’re similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are only somewhat farther apart. Blue Jays and other birds are attracted to these feeders, which should be filled with peanuts. This Squirrel Buster feeder is your best option if you want to keep squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN MISSOURI
If you want to go birding outside of your own backyard, Missouri is a wonderful state to do so. If you want to get a little more engaged, the Missouri Audubon Society hosts meetups, seminars, field excursions, and birding trips on a regular basis.
Take a look at this list I’ve put together of some favorite birding sites in Missouri if you’re a Missouri resident who wants to add some new species to your life list.
MISSOURI BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Big Oak Tree State Park
- Mingo Wildlife Refuge
- Busch Conservation Area
- Eagle Bluffs Conservation Area
- Riverlands Environmental Demonstration Area