The wetlands of Missouri provide habitat for waterfowl and many other groups of birds. Among these are the shorebirds, represented in Missouri by more than 40 migrant species. Shorebirds, including plovers, sandpipers, yellowlegs, etc., typically have long, somewhat flexible bills for picking and probing for food, and fairly long legs for wading in shallow water. The food habits, feeding behavior and habitat requirements of shorebirds differ from those of migrant waterfowl and therefore warrent some special consideration in the design and management of wetland areas. Management activity should be directed toward providing feeding and resting habitat during spring and fall migration rather tahn during the breeding season.
Nesting habitat is somewhat less important since only four species regularly nest in Missouri.
None of them four species require marshes or wetlands during the nesting or brood rearing period. Site Selection and Development Selection of the proper site for shorebird management is extremely important. Soil structure and availability of nearby water for flooding will have a great impact on the cost and eventual success of the management activities. Alluvial sites containing areas of porous sands should be avoided . Impoundments as samll as 4 acres can be successfully managed for migrant shorebirds, however, larger areas can be managed more efficiently for shorebirds as well as provide habitat for migrant waterfowl.