Grassland birding habitat

Columbia Bottom CA

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
GrasslandWetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Columbia Bottom CA is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 291 species recorded on eBird. This grassland and wetland habitat attracts Wood Duck, Mallard, and Green-winged Teal among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

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Notable Species

Live Bird Data

Powered by eBird / Cornell Lab of Ornithology

Notable Sightings

Rare or unusual species spotted nearby in the last 14 days

Carolina Chickadee

Poecile carolinensis

6/2/2026Horseshoe Lake State Park1 observed

Snow Goose

Anser caerulescens

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Lesser Scaup

Aythya affinis

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Least Tern

Sternula antillarum

6/2/2026Clifton Terrace Park Parking Lot8 observed

Black-capped Chickadee

Poecile atricapillus

6/2/20263214 Charlotte Ct Alton US-IL

Neotropic Cormorant

Nannopterum brasilianum

6/2/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Yellow-bellied Sapsucker

Sphyrapicus varius

6/1/20261000 Riverlands Way, West Alton, Missouri, US (38.86, -90.159) Drainage Area From West Alton Floodplains1 observed

Black-billed Cuckoo

Coccyzus erythropthalmus

6/1/2026Forest Park1 observed

Hudsonian Whimbrel

Numenius hudsonicus

6/1/2026Orton Rd.1 observed

Green-winged Teal

Anas crecca

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary1 observed

Laughing Gull

Leucophaeus atricilla

6/1/2026Riverlands Migratory Bird Sanctuary2 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Northern Bobwhite

26/1/2026

Mourning Dove

16/1/2026

Turkey Vulture

16/1/2026

Eastern Warbling Vireo

16/1/2026

Northern Rough-winged Swallow

46/1/2026

American Goldfinch

26/1/2026

Grasshopper Sparrow

46/1/2026

Song Sparrow

16/1/2026

Eastern Meadowlark

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

6/1/2026

Common Grackle

26/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

26/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Northern Cardinal

16/1/2026

Indigo Bunting

56/1/2026

Dickcissel

66/1/2026

Yellow-billed Cuckoo

15/31/2026

Chimney Swift

15/31/2026

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

15/31/2026

Spotted Sandpiper

15/31/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Scan fence posts and utility wires for perching raptors and kingbirds.

  2. 2

    Walk field edges at dawn when sparrows and grassland species are most vocal.

  3. 3

    Time your visit during the first week of May for maximum species diversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the best time to visit Columbia Bottom CA for birding?
The best months to visit Columbia Bottom CA for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Columbia Bottom CA?
Notable species at Columbia Bottom CA include Wood Duck, Mallard, Green-winged Teal, Killdeer, American White Pelican. The area supports grassland, wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Columbia Bottom CA?
Birding at Columbia Bottom CA is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Columbia Bottom CA?
Columbia Bottom CA offers the following amenities: Parking, Trails.