The global decline in biodiversity is occurring at an unparalleled pace, affecting about 14% of migratory bird populations, which are experiencing drastic declines or potential extinction. Pinpointing the principal drivers that shape migratory bird habitat patterns is vital for preserving endangered species and for crafting and executing strategies aimed at biodiversity restoration. This study centers on Dongying City, harnessing MaxEnt, InVEST, and an optimized parameter Geographic Detector (OPG) model to conduct a systematic analysis of the distribution patterns for suitable habitats of 28 migratory bird species and the progression of habitat quality. By quantifying the relative contributions and coupling mechanisms of various driving factors to migratory bird habitat patterns, we identified key types of driving factors. Our findings reveal that: (1) The suitable habitats for 28 migratory bird species and their competitors in Dongying City exhibit substantial overlap within the Yellow River Estuary Ecotourism Area-with 85.84% overlap with local resident birds and 20.74% with Spartina alterniflora Loisel. (2) From 2000 to 2020, land use changes in the study area occurred with greater frequency, resulting in an overall reduction of regional landscape diversity by 27.10%. The habitat quality within the study area consistently hovered at a medium-low tier, while all other tiers exhibited varying degrees of expansion, with the exception of the medium-low tier. The aggregation effect of the habitat quality index is notably significant, with spaces across all levels predominantly characterized by the clustering of high values, which have been steadily increasing. (3) Inter-species competition is the primary driving factor affecting migratory bird habitat distribution in the study area, followed by human activities, habitat conditions, and climatic factors. Geese duck groups, crane stork groups, and other groups migratory bird types exhibit similar environmental response mechanisms. In contrast, the spatial distribution of plover groups may be influenced by more complex multi-factor interactions. This research clarifies the fierce ecological niche competition among migratory birds in Dongying City and the ongoing trend of habitat degradation. By using the OPG model to quantify the driving strengths and mechanisms of various factors and their sub-indicators on migratory bird habitat patterns, our findings provide scientific evidence and practical references for the high-quality implementation of biodiversity conservation projects in Dongying City, holding significant practical implications for advancing the ecological protection and high-quality development strategies of the Yellow River Basin. We hope that this study will encourage increased engagement from policymakers, scholars, and the broader public in urban biodiversity conservation efforts, thereby promoting the establishment of a harmonious relationship between humanity and nature.