The Ozark Mountains on the west and Interior Low Plateaus on the east are geologically similar to each other, but bisected by the floodplain of the Mississippi River and its larger tributaries. The entire area is dominated by an oak-hickory deciduous forest inhabited by interior forest species such as Cerulean Warbler, Worm-eating Warbler, and Louisiana Waterthrush. The region includes some of the most extensive forests in the middle of the continent and is probably a source for populations of these birds for many surrounding areas. Among early succession birds, this is the last major stronghold of the Eastern Bewick's Wren. Restoration of prairie, glade, and barren habitat is a conservation priority. Although Wood Ducks are the primary breeding waterfowl, the region holds more significance for waterfowl as a migratory staging area. The floodplains of the river systems exhibit a diversity of habitats (i.e. floodplain forests, emergent wetlands, submerged aquatic beds), all of which are utilized by migrating waterfowl. Large concentrations of waterfowl, including Mallard, Lesser Scaup, and Canvasback, are common during both spring and fall migration. Threats to the habitats of the region include agricultural conversion of floodplain habitats and urbanization.

ABC-designated Globally Important Bird Areas in this BCR

Big Oaks National Wildlife Refuge (Jefferson Proving Ground)

Brown County State Park

Crab Orchard National Wildlife Refuge

Fort Campbell

Frank Monroe Reservoir (Brown County)

Grassy Slough Preserve and Limekiln Springs Preserve

Hoosier National Forest

Jasper-Pulaski Fish and Wildlife Area

Lower Cache River Complex, including Cypress Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Mark Twain National Forest, including Eleven Point National Scenic River, Pioneer Forest, and Chilton Creek Preserve

Morgan-Monroe State Forest

Mingo National Wildlife Refuge

Ozark National Forest

Reclaimed Coal Mine Grasslands

Rend Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area

Shawnee National Forest

Squaw Creek National Wildlife Refuge

Swan Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Tennessee National Wildlife Refuge

Trail of Tears State Forest

Union County Conservation Area

Wheeler National Wildlife Refuge

William B. Bankhead National Forest

Yellowwood State Forest