Maryland is home to diverse and striking bird species. Among them, the Northern Cardinal stands out with its vivid red plumage and melodious calls. The Carolina Wren, while small, is noticeable for its lively 'teakettle' song. Blue Jays, known for their intelligence and vibrant blue coloring, are prominent in local woodlands. The American Crow, large and black, showcases remarkable adaptability with its varied diet and loud calls. Lastly, the Mourning Dove is recognized for its gentle cooing and delicate movements. These birds represent just a glimpse of the avian diversity in Maryland, enticing further exploration into their habitats and behaviors.
Northern Cardinal

Renowned for their vivid appearance and melodious calls, the Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis) is a prominent bird species found throughout Maryland.
Commonly recognized by their striking red plumage, male cardinals are particularly eye-catching, while females exhibit a subtler brown color.
This red bird is a year-round resident, feeding primarily on seeds, fruits, and insects, and known for its loud, whistling songs.
Carolina Wren

The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus), measuring a mere 5.5 inches in length, is a small yet prominent member of Maryland's avian community.
Weighing about 0.74 ounces with a wingspan of 7.5 inches, these small birds are often heard before seen, their 'teakettle, teakettle' song resonating through woodlands, parks, and suburban areas.
Their long wings and melodious calls make them beloved residents.
Blue Jay

Although often recognized by their striking blue plumage, Blue Jays are equally remarkable for their intelligence and complex vocal abilities. These birds display vibrant blue feathers alongside distinctive white chest markings.
Known for their noisy calls, Blue Jays also mimic other birds and adapt easily to different environments. Their diet primarily consists of nuts, seeds, and insects, showcasing their versatility in foraging.
American Crow

Shifting focus from the colorful Blue Jay, we now explore the American Crow, a bird celebrated for its remarkable adaptability and intelligence.
This large black bird thrives across Maryland, displaying a wingspan of 39 inches and feeding on a wide variety of foods, from insects to carrion.
Known for its loud 'Caw! Caw!' calls, the American Crow is a key player in its ecosystem.
Mourning Dove

Mourning doves, recognized for their soothing cooing calls, are a prevalent sight throughout Maryland. These medium-sized birds, about 12 inches long with an 18-inch wingspan, primarily feed on ground seeds.
Their simple yet sturdy nests are often found in trees and shrubs. As migratory birds, they adjust their location slightly with seasonal changes, maintaining their presence in the white landscape of Maryland.
American Robin

Following the gentle cooing of the Mourning Dove, the American Robin introduces itself with a vibrant red breast and a cheery song, marking another common avian resident of Maryland.
Known for its gray upperparts and black and white back and wings, this bird is frequently seen hopping on lawns, searching for earthworms.
They nest in cup-shaped structures and remain in Maryland year-round.
Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse, a small yet vibrant bird, captivates with its tufted crest and lively 'peter-peter' song, adding a distinct charm to Maryland's avian population.
Measuring about 6.5 inches, this bird is notable for its long beak and white belly. It thrives in mixed-species flocks, often nesting in tree cavities or birdhouses, enhancing local biodiversity with its active foraging and social nature.
Carolina Chickadee

Carolina Chickadees, distinguished by their black cap and bib, are renowned for their melodious 'chick-a-dee-dee-dee' call.
These small, lively birds are adept foragers, often seen darting through woodlands and suburban areas in search of insects, seeds, and berries.
Common at bird feeders, they bring energy and cheer, nesting in tree cavities or birdhouses, showcasing remarkable adaptability.
Red-bellied Woodpecker

From the lively presence of Carolina Chickadees, we shift our focus to another avian native, the Red-bellied Woodpecker, commonly spotted across Maryland. Sporting a striking red cap and nape, with a subtle red wash on their belly, these woodpeckers are known for their loud, rolling calls and drumming.
They feed on insects, fruits, nuts, and seeds, and are adept climbers and nest excavators in dead trees.
Downy Woodpecker

Often encountered across Maryland's diverse landscapes, the Downy Woodpecker stands out as North America's smallest and most prevalent woodpecker species. Sporting distinctive black and white plumage and a red patch on the back of their heads, they utilize a short, chisel-like bill to peck into wood, seeking insects.
These woodpeckers thrive in forests, woodlands, and suburban areas, contributing rhythmic drumming sounds to their environments.
American Goldfinch

While the Downy Woodpecker captivates with its rhythmic drumming, the American Goldfinch offers a visual spectacle with its striking yellow plumage. Recognizable by their bright yellow males and musical songs, these birds adjust their color seasonally, showing duller hues in winter.
Often forming large flocks, they feed on thistle and sunflower seeds, enhancing their vibrant appearance and delighting observers with their presence.
Song Sparrow

Although less flamboyant than the American Goldfinch, the Song Sparrow captivates with its melodious and complex song, which resonates across Maryland's diverse landscapes.
These birds, with their streaked brown upperparts and distinctive white breast marked by a central dark spot, thrive in shrubby areas and along waterways.
Their diet of seeds, insects, and berries showcases their adaptability, while regional song dialects highlight their unique vocalizations.
White-breasted Nuthatch

Shifting focus to another remarkable Maryland inhabitant, the White-breasted Nuthatch exhibits unique behaviors and adaptations in its natural habitat.
This little bird, identified by its black cap and white face, is known for walking headfirst down tree trunks. Their nasal calls resonate as 'yank, yank,' while they feed on insects, nuts, and seeds, nesting in tree cavities crafted with mud, grass, and bark.
European Starling

Introduced from Europe in the 19th century, the European Starling is an invasive species in North America, known for its iridescent black plumage and remarkable vocal mimicry.
This large bird displays long wings and a versatile diet, thriving in various habitats from urban areas to farmlands.
Their ability to mimic other birds' calls makes them unique among local avian populations.
What Types of Birds Can Be Found in Maryland and Connecticut?
In Maryland, birdwatchers can spot the Baltimore oriole, the state bird. Other common types of birds in Connecticut include the American robin and the black-capped chickadee. Birding spots like the Audubon Society in Maryland and Connecticut River Valley are great for spotting various types of birds in Connecticut.
Eastern Bluebird

The Eastern Bluebird is known for its vivid blue plumage and rusty-orange breast. They are a common sight in Maryland's open woodlands and meadows. These small birds have long wings and a white tail. They are cavity nesters, often inhabiting old woodpecker holes or man-made boxes. Eastern Bluebirds primarily feed on insects and berries, making them a delightful addition to the local avian population.