There are many bird species in the Elk River Basin. Some birds live along the river where they may eat fish or other aquatic animals. Other birds stop along the water when they are migrating south in winter and when traveling back to their homes in the spring. One well-known bird, the bald eagle, is found in the Elk River Basin and is listed as threatened by the federal government and endangered by the state of Missouri. Another bird of prey, the peregrine falcon, is found in the Elk River Basin and is listed as endangered by the federal government.

Bald eagle

Source :   U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. http://endangered.fws.gov/i/B0H.html .

The Peregrine Falcon
The peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus) is federally listed as an endangered species and is in critical status in Missouri.   This bird of prey has been called the fastest animal on earth
because it can reach speeds of up to 200 mph when diving for food.   Peregrine falcons have experienced a decline in numbers due to habitat loss, hunting, and negative effects associated with the pesticide DDT. Peregrine falcons live near cliffs, and efforts have been made to introduce the birds into large cities where the birds can use tall buildings as substitutes for cliffs. Many of these efforts have been successful. For more information on the peregrine falcon, visit http://www.illinoisraptorcenter.org/Field%20Guide/peregrine.html.

Peregrine falcon (Falco peregrinus)

Source:  http://www.illinoisraptorcenter.org/Field%20Guide/peregrine.html

Greater-prairie chicken

Source: Missouri Department of Conservation. http://mdc.mo.gov/nathis/birds/chickens/. 

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Missouri Department
of Natural Resources

Missouri Watershed Information Network (MoWIN)
Send comments to: mowin1@missouri.edu
205 Agricultural Engineering
Columbia, MO 65211
Phone: (573) 882-0085
Toll Free: (MO only): 1-877-H20-shed (426-7433)
Fax: (573) 884-5650

Page last updated August 26, 2008