Le Conte’s, Henslow’s (more common now in the park than 20 years ago), Grasshopper, Lark, Vesper and Harris’s Sparrows

Prairie State Park is Missouri’s largest prairie remnant. The prairie landscape and the suite of flora and fauna dependent on it are maintained by the active management policies and activities of DNR staff. There is concern that the overall abundance and variety of bird species is declining due to the effects of increased grazing needs of the expanding bison herd.

Four natural areas (East Drywood Creek, Regal, Hunkah and Tzi-sho) have been combined into the Regal Talgrass Prairie Natural Area. This full range of prairie natural communities, including the great diversity of grassland bird species, may be explored on foot via a 12-mile network of mowed, natural surface trails. A SAFETY NOTE: Contact visitor center staff before hiking--bison roam the park.