Wetland birding habitat

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge

Missouri · Midwest

Habitat
Wetland
Best Seasons
Difficulty

Moderate

Best Months

April-May, September-October

About This Location

Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is a productive birding destination in Missouri, with 313 species recorded on eBird. This wetland habitat attracts Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swan, and Blue-winged Teal among many others. Spring migration along the Mississippi and Central Flyways makes this a vital stopover for diverse species.

Location

Loading map...

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

Yellow-breasted Chat

Icteria virens

5/25/2026Margrave WMA1 observed

Yellow-rumped Warbler

Setophaga coronata

5/25/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Greater White-fronted Goose

Anser albifrons

5/24/2026Loess Bluffs NWR1 observed

Golden-crowned Kinglet

Regulus satrapa

5/22/202636649 Holt 340, Oregon, Missouri, US (39.91, -95.018)1 observed

Redhead

Aythya americana

5/20/2026Loess Bluffs NWR3 observed

Recent Observations

Species reported at this location in the last 14 days

Canada Goose

106/1/2026

Pied-billed Grebe

16/1/2026

Bell's Vireo

16/1/2026

Barn Swallow

56/1/2026

Orchard Oriole

16/1/2026

Red-winged Blackbird

36/1/2026

Common Yellowthroat

16/1/2026

Northern Yellow Warbler

16/1/2026

Dickcissel

16/1/2026

Northern Bobwhite

15/30/2026

Mourning Dove

25/30/2026

Turkey Vulture

35/30/2026

Red-bellied Woodpecker

35/30/2026

Pileated Woodpecker

15/30/2026

Eastern Wood-Pewee

25/30/2026

Great Crested Flycatcher

25/30/2026

Red-eyed Vireo

15/30/2026

Blue Jay

15/30/2026

American Crow

15/30/2026

Tufted Titmouse

15/30/2026

Birding Tips

  1. 1

    Bring waterproof boots for marsh trails and muddy edges.

  2. 2

    Scan the edges of open water for herons, egrets, and rails at dawn.

  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 Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge for birding?
The best months to visit Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge for birding are April-May, September-October. The best seasons are Spring and Fall.
What birds can I see at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Notable species at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge include Snow Goose, Trumpeter Swan, Blue-winged Teal, Mallard, Ring-necked Duck. The area supports wetland habitats.
How difficult is birding at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Birding at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge is rated as Moderate. Some trails may require moderate fitness and basic hiking ability.
What amenities are available at Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge?
Loess Bluffs National Wildlife Refuge offers the following amenities: Parking, Restrooms, Trails, Auto Tour Route.