Southwest Missouri unites the Ozark Highlands, tallgrass prairies, and large reservoirs into one of the state’s most dynamic birding regions. Hardwood forests and glades support warblers, vireos, and woodpeckers, while surrounding prairies hold sparrows, meadowlarks, and raptors. Lakes such as Fellows, Stockton, and Springfield attract waterfowl, gulls, and herons in winter, and city parks provide outstanding migration birding each spring and fall. The region’s diversity reflects the meeting of two major ecological provinces, the Ozarks and the Great Plains. What makes Southwest Missouri stand out is the way it blends urban convenience with wild habitats, giving birders easy access to rich, varied landscapes year round.