Bird Watching at Gateway Arch National Park

Gateway Arch National Park is in Missouri and is 90.9 acres in area. In St. Louis, the park begins close to where the Lewis and Clark Expedition starts. The national park consists of St. Louis’ icon, a catenary arch made of steel. Some of the oldest buildings in the city are in this area. Birdwatching at the Gateway National Park is an easy, effortless, and almost celebrated activity.

Major Attractions at Gateway Arch National Park

The most exciting part about getting to Gateway Arch National Park is reaching there. There is a tram ride one can take, and you also get to see a fantastic view from a tall monument, one of the highest in America.

For those interested in history, take the chance to explore the museum that focuses on 201 years of history. It starts from how the expansion of the United States occurred in the west and the role St. Louis’ played in it.

You have to do some shopping at the arch store. The souvenirs and gifts there are unique and rare and have lots to do with the history of the place. You can not skip out on a particular film showing in the theatres there either. It is the
Monument to the Dream, a story of how the Gateway Arch was constructed. The film is an award-winning one, so we can assure you there is no chance of being bored.

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Bird Watching at Gateway Arch National Park

The Gateway Arch National Park acts as a migratory gateway for all kinds of bird species. The count goes well over 325. The place is a corridor for birds of north and south America. This is possible because the archway is basically in the middle of North America.

It is estimated that at least half of the bird species in North America, along with 40 percent of waterfowl, end up living their lives within the boundaries of the flyway of Mississippi. Also, 418 species have been spotted in Missouri in general, so this is a pretty startling amount of birds in one area.

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds, who generally spend their winters in Mexico, have recently been using the area as their breeding ground. For birdwatchers, visiting the North Gateway is recommended. Here, we can find migratory birds such as American Goldfinches, Purple Finches, American White Pelicans, and Killdeer who like nesting on the ground.

St. Louis Arts Chamber of Commerce even sponsored a video called the Silent Skies Virtual Mural. This video lets birders learn more about how the birds use the Gateway Arch National Park to migrate. There is another video presentation called Nature and Birds with Origami which you can see to learn origami on birds with your children.

10 Birds to See at Gateway Arch National Park

Ruby-throated Hummingbird

Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are bright green birds with ruby red throats. They live throughout eastern North America. These Hummingbirds are not endangered. They make their homes in gardens and near the edge of the woods. These birds enjoy flowering gardens and woodlands so they can get nectar. They will also eat small insects. Ruby-throated Hummingbirds beat their wings about 53 times a second! They build and camouflage their nests in trees and lay 2 eggs. Almost all the Ruby-throated Hummingbirds migrate south to Mexico and Central America in the fall.

American Goldfinch

American Goldfinches are a bright yellow color with some shiny black and white on their wings. You can find them all over North America. Their population is steady but has seen a small decline recently. They build their homes along roadsides and in open woods. They are the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington. American Goldfinches eat a strict vegetarian diet and love sunflower and nyjer seeds. They love to visit backyard feeders if you have these seeds. They make nests out of plant fibers and spider webs. American Goldfinches lay 4 to 6 eggs. They make their nests so well they can hold water. They migrate during mid-fall and early spring.

Purple Finch

Purple Finches are purple-red with light brown wings. They also have a large beak that they use to crack open seeds. Purple Finches live in eastern North America, with some on the Pacific Coast as well. There has been a decrease in Purple Finches in the northeast area, but the population overall is stable. They make their homes in woods or groves and in the suburbs. Purple Finches make a warbling sound, but can often mimic other birds like Barn Swallows or
Brown-headed Cowbirds. They lay 4 to 5 eggs in a cup-shaped nest, usually 20 feet high in a tree. These Finches are migratory birds, migrating in flocks by day.

American White Pelican

American White Pelicans are a beautiful white bird with a long orange-yellow bill. They are one of the largest birds found in North America. Their population declined, but has since recovered and has increased recently. Usually living around the coast, American White Pelicans also make their homes near lakes and marshes. American White Pelicans use their large, pouched bill to scoop up fish. Sometimes they will work together with other pelicans to catch fish. Most American White Pelicans migrate, but some are living on the Texas coast as permanent residents.

Killdeer

Killdeer are brown with white underbellies. They are common, widespread birds that live throughout North America. They are not close to being endangered. Killdeer are one of the few shorebirds seen without going to the beach. They make their homes near golf courses, athletic fields, parking lots, and backyards. Killdeer eat insects as they run across the ground. They usually lay 4 eggs and make their nests on the ground. They are easy to see. Southern Killdeer live permanently in the south; however, the birds found in the north do migrate south.

Painted Bunting

Painted Buntings are named for their bright colors of blue, green, yellow, and red. They are common along the southeast coast of the United States. Their population is decreasing as their nests are getting destroyed. They make their homes along roadsides, in towns, and gardens. They hang out in thick vegetation so they may be hard to find. These birds eat mostly insects and seeds. They lay 3 to 4 eggs and build their nests lower to the ground. Painted Buntings winter south in either Florida or Mexico.

Bobolink

Bobolinks have a light-yellow patch on the back of their head and a white back and black underside. They look like they are wearing a tuxedo backwards! They live in the northern and eastern regions of North America. Their population is declining and they are being watched for possible endangerment. Their habitat is in hayfields and meadows. Bobolinks enjoy eating rice, grains, and insects. They lay 5 to 6 eggs in nests hidden on the ground. Bobolinks migrate a long-distance, traveling to South America for the winter.

Rose-breasted Grosbeak

Rose-breasted Grosbeaks are black and white with a bright red chest and thick bill. You can find them throughout eastern North America. Their population is currently stable and has no risk of endangerment. They make a happy song with sweet whistles. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks make their homes in orchards and groves and enjoy wintering in the tropics. Rose-breasted Grosbeaks eat insects, seeds, and berries. They migrate at night late in the spring and early in the fall.

Yellow-headed Blackbird

Yellow-headed Blackbirds are black with a yellow head and some white patches on their wings. Their song is a harsh, hoarse song, possibly the most unique of all North American birds. Yellow-headed Blackbirds live in western North America. Their population has declined but is still stable. They make their homes in fresh marshes. Yellow-headed Blackbirds always build their nests over water. They migrate in flocks with the males going more north than females.

Northern Harrier

Northern Harriers are brown and gray with a white underside and black wingtips. They also have a white patch on their tail at the base. The face of a Northern Harrier is similar to an Owl. Northern Harriers live all throughout North America. Their population is declining; however, they are still common. They make their homes in marshes, fields, and prairies. Northern Harriers eat small rodents and birds. The ones found in the south are permanent residents, while the ones found in the north migrate in both fall and spring.

Final Thoughts

The Gateway Arch National Park is extremely accommodating of birdwatchers. Since you have to visit a particular time of the year to get the best out of the experience, make sure to bring all your birding gear with you.

Ornithology

Bird Watching Academy & Camp Subscription Boxes

At the Bird Watching Academy & Camp we help kids, youth, and adults get excited and involved in bird watching. We have several monthly subscription boxes that you can subscribe to. Our monthly subscription boxes help kids, youth, and adults learn about birds, bird watching, and bird conservation.

Bird Watching Binoculars

The most common types of bird watching binoculars for viewing birds at Gateway Arch National Park is the 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. Bird Watching Academy & Camp sells really nice 8×21 binoculars and 10×42 binoculars. You can view and purchase them here.