Missouri Birds: A Complete Field Guide with Identification Techniques and Habitat Information By James Alderwood The essential birdwatching guide for Missouri—comprehensive, practical, and beautifully curated for birders of all levels. Whether you're a backyard birder or a seasoned naturalist, Missouri Birds offers a complete, richly detailed field guide to over 300 bird species found across the Show-Me State’s forests, wetlands, prairies, and cities. Strategically located along the Mississippi Flyway , Missouri is a haven for resident and migratory birds—making it one of North America's premier birding destinations. This meticulously organized and easy-to-use guide is more than a catalog of species; it’s an interactive, educational, and conservation-minded tool to help you connect deeply with Missouri’s avian diversity—any time of year. What You’ll Discover Inside: Species profiles for over 300 birds —including songbirds, raptors, waterfowl, shorebirds, and woodland birds—featuring: Common and scientific names - High-resolution range maps - Plumage details and key field marks - Seasonal presence and habitat preferences - Conservation status and viewing tips - Identification techniques tailored for Missouri , covering: Visual cues (shape, size, plumage, beak/foot morphology) - Auditory skills (songs, calls, and spectrogram use) - Behavior-based ID strategies and tips on using technology (apps, databases, eBird) - Habitat-based guidance , with in-depth exploration of: Ozark forests, river systems, wetlands, prairies, and urban areas - Seasonal bird movements and ecosystem changes - Field-tested birdwatching tips , including: Essential gear and field ethics - Where and when to go birding - How to build bird-friendly yards and contribute to citizen science projects - Missouri-focused resources like: Monthly birding calendar - Statewide trail guides and hotspot profiles - Appendices including glossaries, checklists, and further reading Who This Book Is For: Beginner birders looking for clear visuals, checklists, and accessible tips - Intermediate to advanced birdwatchers wanting local insight, precise ID tools, and ecological context - Teachers, naturalists, and citizen scientists looking for educational resources - Photographers and conservationists eager to explore or protect Missouri’s birdlife - Anyone interested in the natural beauty of Missouri’s diverse landscapes Why Missouri? Why this guide? Missouri is uniquely positioned at the heart of American biodiversity. From the brilliant Cerulean Warbler in spring to Bald Eagles in winter, the state boasts stunning seasonal spectacles. Missouri Birds makes it easy to locate and understand these incredible creatures—whether in your own backyard or on the Great Missouri Birding Trail. With expert structure, vivid descriptions, and a conservation-first mindset, this book isn’t just a tool—it’s an invitation to observe, document, and protect Missouri’s birds for generations to come. Take your birdwatching to the next level—get your copy of Missouri Birds today and let your next great sighting begin.