Habitat diversity is a key role in supporting the Upper Missouri Citeau's wildlife diversity. The combination of wetlands, native and tame grasslands, and agricultural fields provide habitats for various resident and migratory birds as well as numerous species of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

There are several Species of Special Concern found in the Focus Area. These include:  burrowing owl, Baird’s sparrow, Sprague’s pipit, Forster’s tern, black tern, lark bunting, grasshopper sparrow, Franklin’s gull, marbled godwit, ferruginous hawk, horned grebe, and common tern. The piping plover is listed as a threatened species, and 85% of Montana’s total breeding population is found in the Upper Missouri Coteau Focus Area.