Have you wondered if Missouri has any cool and colorful Finches local to them? Then let me tell you that these little guys are all about jazzing up the state with their colorful feathers and beautiful melodies.
From the urban areas of Missouri to the rural landscapes, you will find these charming little hoppers brightening up the day. The state’s diverse habitat and mild climate are perfect for these feathered fluffballs.
In this article, we are going to dive into the pool of fascinating facts about the Finches in Missouri. We will check out their groovy behaviors, how they look different from each other, and where you might encounter them.
So, get ready to join the Finch-finder squad and discover the coolest features about these passerines!
Contents
10 Fabulous Finches Of Missouri
Finches are part of the Fringillidae bird family that has a very close connection to the sparrow family. The birds of this family are commonly known as finches but it includes the canaries, siskins, redpolls, and grosbeaks too. So let’s check how different or how similar these finches are!
House Finch
Source: @musings.of.val
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous mexicanus
- Size: 12.5 to 15 cm (5 to 6 in)
- Locality: Southern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to August
Did you know that House Finches were not always found throughout North America until a vendor illegally released a number of these birds from the pet trade? Those birds escaped into the wild and quickly adapted to the nature of the continent. Today, you can see these Finches almost everywhere in North America as a native.
Recognition
Male Finches exhibit a bright mix of red, orange, and brown hues that sometimes varies in intensity depending on the individual and region. Females, however, have a more toned-down appearance with brown and gray streaks throughout their bodies. They also have a distinctive conical bill suited for their granivorous nature.
Habitat
These social birds are mostly found in urban areas, parks, gardens, and open woodlands. They are also found in varying elevations like mountain ranges, coastal regions, cliffs, and canyons. They are known to be adaptable and have shown the ability to thrive in both natural and human-altered habitats.
Purple Finch
Source: @applehillphotos
- Scientific Name: Haemorhous purpureus
- Size: 12 to 16 cm (4.7 to 6.3 in)
- Locality: Northeastern U.S., U.S. Pacific Coast, and Canada
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to August
I have to warn you not to start looking for a purple-colored Finch right after hearing the name. Because despite this name, these beauties are not entirely purple. But when you catch them in the right light, their purplish tones really shine and give them a regal touch.
Recognition
These birds have a sturdy build with a slightly notched tail that adds to their distinctive appearance. The males have reddish-purple hues on their head, back, and rump, while the rest of their body is mostly brown with streaks on the sides. They have a pale line above their eyes, and their beak is short, stout, and slightly curved.
Habitat
These Finches are typically found in coniferous and mixed forests, as well as open woodlands. They may also visit your backyards and gardens if there are suitable food sources available. They are year-round residents in many parts of North America, but some populations migrate toward southern parts during the colder months.
American Goldfinch
Source: @audubonmidatl
- Scientific Name: Spinus tristis
- Size: 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late June to Early July
American Goldfinches have an interestingly clever and risk-managing behavior. While many songbirds are busy raising their chicks in the spring, these smart Finches gear up for their version of summer nesting to take advantage of the bountiful seeds that bloom in the later part of the season.
Recognition
These Finches are like rays of sunshine and the males flaunt a vibrant lemon-yellow plumage on their body and head. To contrast with that, they have striking black wings and a black cap. Females showcase a lovely olive brown with hints of yellow on their underparts. They have a slim, pointed bill that is golden or gray in color.
Habitat
They have a strong affinity for open areas, such as fields, meadows, and grasslands. They are also frequently seen in gardens, backyards, and parks, especially if there are native plants that produce seeds. They are highly social and often stay in flocks.
Common Redpoll
Source: @ac_birds
- Scientific Name: Acanthis flammea
- Size: 11.5 to 14 cm (4.5 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: Northern Eurasia, and Northern North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Mid-March to April
Common Redpolls are highly social birds and often form flocks during winter migrations. So, if you spot one, chances are you might find a whole bunch of them hanging out together, feasting on seeds and adding some color to the winter landscape.
Recognition
They have a pinkish-red cap on their foreheads that contrasts with their brownish-gray body. They also have a distinctive black streaking on their upper parts and a black chin patch. They have a petite, cone-shaped bill that is yellow with black patches at the upper part.
Habitat
These Redpolls typically breed in the far Northern reaches of North America where the Arctic tundra provides the perfect nesting grounds. However, during the winter months, they move southward in search of more abundant food sources, and that is when you can encounter these Finches in Missouri’s forests, woodlands, grasslands, and even backyards.
White-Winged Crossbill
Source: @steam02
- Scientific Name: Loxia leucoptera
- Size: 17 cm (6.7 in)
- Locality: Northern North America and Eurosiberia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Late Winter
If you are in a coniferous forest or an area with abundant conifer cones, keep an eye out for White-winged Crossbills. They might be sitting on a tree and trying to detect the ripeness of conifer cones with their crossed bills.
Recognition
Despite its small size, it is easily recognizable thanks to its distinguishing white wing bars on its otherwise dark wings. Both males and females have a streaked brownish-gray body. They have a unique specialized bill that curves and crosses at the tips.
Habitat
They are highly nomadic and often follow the abundance of conifer cone crops. They are commonly found in Northern boreal forests, particularly in North America and Eurasia. During the breeding season, they typically prefer spruce, pine, and fir forests where you might find them perched high up in the trees.
Pine Siskin
Source: @annaotownsend
- Scientific Name: Spinus pinus
- Size: 11 to 14 cm (4.3 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: North America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: March to May
Pine siskins are known for their irruptive migrations that can happen in response to changes in seed availability. So, if you spot an unusually large flock of these Siskins visiting your area or hear about them showing up in unexpected places, it might be one of the irruptions at play.
Recognition
They have streaked and bottled brownish-gray plumage with wings and tail feathers that have greenish-yellow edgings. One of the most distinct features is their pointed bill. Males and females look similar with the usual mottled appearance, especially compared to Eurasian Siskins.
Habitat
They are strongly associated with coniferous forests and woodlands, especially during the breeding season. You’ll often find them foraging for seeds on the cones of pine, spruce, and fir trees while hanging upside down or even hovering mid-air. They are found in small flocks and may visit backyards and bird feeders.
Red Crossbill
Source: @mkklnn.jpg
- Scientific Name: Loxia curvirostra
- Size: 20 cm (7.8 in)
- Locality: Southern North America and Parts of Eurasia
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: Summer to Autumn and Winter to Spring
Red Crossbills are incredibly specialized birds that have unique bill adaptations, nomadic tendencies, and cooperative social behaviors. Their ability to exploit conifer cone crops in various regions makes the birdwatchers always stay on their toes.
Recognition
Along with a bill that is uniquely curved at the tip forming a cross, these birds have vibrant red plumage in males and olive-green to yellowish-brown plumage in females and juveniles. However, their shades can vary from time to time and lean more toward orange or reddish-green.
Habitat
They are closely connected to coniferous forests and woodlands where they can find ample amounts of seeds forms pine, spruce, and other conifer cones. They are often seen in small to large flocks. Their movements and presence can be influenced by the cyclical patterns of cone production, so their distribution can vary from year to year.
Arctic Redpoll
Source: @monika_00350
- Scientific Name: Acanthis hornemanni
- Size: 12 to 14 cm (4.7 to 5.5 in)
- Locality: High Arctic Regions of Canada, Alaska, Greenland, Northern Eurasia, and North America
- Status: Secure
- Breeding Season: Between May and July.
Arctic Redpolls are mostly native to the Arctic regions but the harsh cold of winter drifts them toward the South. So, if you want to encounter their graceful charm in Missouri, you would have to wait for winter when they fly in flocks.
Recognition
Just like other Redpoll species, they too have a charming mix of colors in their plumage. Males typically show a pale pinkish-red wash on their breasts and foreheads that sets them apart from Common Redpolls. Females have more subdued plumage with a slightly buff-colored appearance and lighter streaks on the sides.
Habitat
As their name indicates, they are mostly found in Northern regions, often dwelling within the Arctic Circle. They are incredibly well-adapted to cold and harsh environments. Their preferred habitat includes Arctic tundra, taiga, and subarctic forests. During winter, they move southward and they can be spotted in boreal forests, open woodlands, and even suburban areas.
Evening Grosbeak
Source: @acouplewithoutborders
- Scientific Name: Hesperiphona vespertina
- Size: 16 to 22 cm (6.3 to 8.7 in)
- Locality: Canada, the Western part of the US, and Mexico
- Status: Vulnerable
- Breeding Season: Mid spring
Evening Grosbeaks are a cherished sight for birdwatchers across their range. If you see large and noisy flocks of flinches, chances are they would be Evening Grosbeaks. Their presence adds an animated and lively atmosphere to the forests and other habitats they inhabit.
Recognition
Both male and female birds display a vibrant and colorful appearance along with large, conical beaks. Males boast a striking lemon-yellow body with a bold black forehead, crown, and throat. Their wings hold black and white patches while their tails are black with white edges. Females have an olive-yellow overall coloration with less contrast in their plumage.
Habitat
They are found across various habitats in North America, such as dense coniferous forests open woodlands, and even urban and suburban areas. They have a broad distribution and can be seen in mixed forests during the breeding season in large flocks.
Lesser goldfinch
Source: @bghan2_
- Scientific Name: Spinus psaltria
- Size: 9 to 12 cm (3.5 to 4.7 in)
- Locality: Southwestern North America and Parts of Northwestern South America
- Status: Least Concern
- Breeding Season: April to July
Did you know that Lesser Goldfinches have the ability to create intricate nests using spider silk? They collect the silk from nearby spider webs and carefully incorporate it into the outer layers of the nest. By adding this silk, the finches create a flexible and durable nest that can withstand various weather conditions.
Recognition
Lesser Goldfinches have similar coloration in both males and females. They have vibrant and striking yellow plumage on their underparts and face, while their back and wings are black with contrasting white wing bars. Their foreheads are black and it extends down their nape and around their eyes.
Habitat
Grasslands, meadows, and agricultural fields are their favorite places to stroll and forage. They are also frequent visitors to residential areas, gardens, and parks, particularly those with mature trees or shrubs. They are often seen in arid and semi-arid regions too but they can occur more in humid habitats.
FAQ
After reading about so many of these little Finches, you probably have some further questions flocking to your mind. Let’s take a look if these answers solve your puzzles!
Q: Are Finches year-round residents in Missouri?
Ans: While some Finch species, like House Finch and American Goldfinch, are year-round residents in Missouri, others, such as Arctic Redpoll and Red Crossbill, maybe more migratory during winter and visit the state when food sources become scarce.
Q: What is the best time to spot finches in Missouri?
Ans: Although you can spot some Finch species in Missouri throughout the year, the best time to find variety in their species would be winter. However, if you want to enjoy their presence in general, spring and summer would be the best choice as they are often more active and vocal during that time.
Thoughts
If you are having an inconvenient day, look around for a Finch because they just might add a delightful touch of color and charm to your spirit with their joyful hops and melodious chirps.
In Missouri, whether you are strolling through forests or chilling by a lake, or hanging out in the backyard, there is a good chance you will encounter them. The abundance of native plants, like sunflowers and coniferous trees makes these birds love the place.
Wherever they stay, these songsters of the avian world have a secret talent for creating their very own concerts!
So, the next time you are in Missouri, keep your eyes and ears open for a fantastic show of chirping symphonies that will leave you tapping your toes and singing along with the songbirds.
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Audio Credits: xeno-canto, wikimedia