List of birds of Maryland facts for kids

This list helps you discover the amazing birds found in Maryland! Maryland is home to 456 different kinds of birds. Some are common, while others are very rare. This list also includes a few birds that might not be wild or natural to the area.

Here are some special tags you'll see:

• *(R) Rare: These birds are very hard to find anywhere in Maryland.
• *(R*) Rare (limited area): These birds are rare only in certain parts of Maryland.
• *(QO) Questionable origin: We're not sure if these birds are truly wild or if they escaped from captivity.
• *(EO) Exotic origin: These birds are not naturally from North America.
• *(I) Introduced: Humans brought these birds to North America.
• *(Xt) Extinct: These birds no longer exist anywhere in the world.
• *(Xp) Extirpated wild: These birds used to live in Maryland but are now gone from the state, though they still exist elsewhere.
• *(Xx) Extirpated exotic: These introduced birds used to live in Maryland but are no longer found here.

This list follows the scientific order from the American Ornithological Society. The names of bird families come from the Clements taxonomy.

Unless noted, all birds listed below are regularly seen in Maryland. They might live here all year, visit in summer or winter, or just pass through during migration.

Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Order: Anseriformes   Family: Anatidae

This family includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are great at living in water. They have webbed feet and special feathers that shed water easily. Maryland has recorded 46 types of these birds.

• Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (R)
• Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (R)
• Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
• Ross's goose, Anser rossii
• Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
• Pink-footed goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (R)
• Brant, Branta bernicla (R*)
• Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (R)
• Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii
• Canada goose, Branta canadensis
• Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I)
• Black swan, Cygnus atratus (EO)
• Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator (Xp)
• Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus
• Wood duck, Aix sponsa
• Baikal teal, Sibirionetta formosa (QO)
• Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors
• Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera (R)
• Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata
• Gadwall, Mareca strepera
• Falcated duck, Mareca falcata (QO)
• Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
• American wigeon, Mareca americana
• Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos
• Mottled duck, Anas fulvigula (R)
• American black duck, Anas rubripes
• Northern pintail, Anas acuta
• Green-winged teal, Anas crecca
• Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
• Redhead, Aythya americana
• Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris
• Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (R)
• Greater scaup, Aythya marila
• Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
• King eider, Somateria spectabilis (R*)
• Common eider, Somateria mollissima (R*)
• Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus (R*)
• Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
• White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi
• Black scoter, Melanitta americana
• Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
• Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
• Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
• Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala clangula (R)
• Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus
• Common merganser, Mergus merganser
• Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator
• Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus (R)
• Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis

New World Quail

Order: Galliformes   Family: Odontophoridae

New World quails are small, round birds that live on the ground. They look a bit like Old World quails but are not closely related. Only one confirmed species has been seen in Maryland.

• Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus
• Callipepla species, Callipepla sp. (QO)

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies

Order: Galliformes   Family: Phasianidae

This family includes pheasants and their relatives. These birds live on land and vary in size. Many are hunted for sport or raised for food. Turkeys have special fleshy parts on their heads and necks. Male turkeys are much more colorful than females. Grouse live in cooler northern areas. Males often perform fancy dances to attract females. Most of these birds stay in Maryland all year. Four species have been seen in Maryland.

• Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo
• Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (R*)
• Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (Xp)
  • Heath hen, T. c. cupido (Xt)
• Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I) (Xx)

Flamingoes

Order: Phoenicopteriformes   Family: Phoenicopteridae

Flamingoes are tall, social wading birds. They are known for their pink color and unique beaks. They use their beaks upside-down to filter tiny shellfish and algae from the water. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• American flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber (R)

Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes   Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-sized diving birds that live in freshwater. They have lobed toes, making them excellent swimmers and divers. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, so they are clumsy on land. Five species have been seen in Maryland.

• Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
• Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
• Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
• Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
• Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R)

Pigeons and Doves

Order: Columbiformes   Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin bills. Seven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
• Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (R) (I)
• Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (Xt)
• Inca dove, Columbina inca (R)
• Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (R)
• White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (R)
• Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura

Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes   Family: Cuculidae

The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds come in different sizes and have slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Groove-billed ani, Crotophaga sulcirostris (R)
• Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
• Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus

Nightjars and Allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes   Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night. They usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Their soft feathers are colored to help them blend in with bark or leaves. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
• Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
• Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying. They have very short legs and usually only perch on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica

Hummingbirds

Order: Apodiformes   Family: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are tiny birds famous for hovering in the air by flapping their wings very fast. They are the only birds that can fly backward! Seven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Mexican violetear, Colibri thalassinus (R)
• Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
• Black-chinned hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri (R)
• Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (R)
• Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope (R)
• Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus
• Allen's hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin (R)

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Rallidae

This large family includes rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. They are usually shy birds that live in thick plants near water. Most have strong legs and long toes, perfect for walking on soft ground. They tend to have short, rounded wings and are not strong fliers. Ten species have been seen in Maryland.

• Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (R*)
• King rail, Rallus elegans (R*)
• Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
• Corn crake, Crex crex (R)
• Sora, Porzana carolina
• Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
• American coot, Fulica americana
• Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (R)
• Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)
• Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (R*)

Limpkin

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Aramidae

The Limpkin is a large bird that looks like a rail but is more closely related to cranes. It lives in marshes and gets its name because it looks like it's limping when it walks. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Limpkin, Aramus guarauna (R)

Cranes

Order: Gruiformes   Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large birds with long legs and necks. Unlike herons, cranes fly with their necks stretched out. Many cranes have fancy and loud courtship dances. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis

Stilts and Avocets

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Recurvirostridae

This family includes avocets and stilts. They are large wading birds. Avocets have long legs and bills that curve upwards. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (R*)
• American avocet, Recurvirostra americana

Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Haematopodidae

Oystercatchers are large, noisy birds that look like plovers. They have strong bills that they use to smash open or pry apart shellfish. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus (R*)

Plovers and Lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Charadriidae

This family includes plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies and short, thick necks. They usually live in open areas, often near water. Eight species have been seen in Maryland.

• Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (R)
• Southern lapwing, Vanellus chilensis (QO)
• Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
• American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
• Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
• Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
• Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (R*)
• Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (R)
• Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (R)

Sandpipers and Allies

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Scolopacidae

This is a large and varied family of small to medium-sized shorebirds. It includes sandpipers, curlews, godwits, and snipes. Most of these birds eat small insects and other tiny creatures from mud or soil. Different bill and leg lengths allow many species to feed in the same places without competing for food. Thirty-six species have been seen in Maryland.

• Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda
• Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus (R*)
• Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (R) (X)
• Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (R)
• Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica (R*)
• Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa (R*)
• Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
• Red knot, Calidris canutus (R*)
• Ruff, Calidris pugnax (R*)
• Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (R)
• Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
• Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (R)
• Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (R)
• Sanderling, Calidris alba
• Dunlin, Calidris alpina
• Purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima (R*)
• Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
• Little stint, Calidris minuta (R)
• Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla
• White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
• Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
• Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
• Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
• Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
• Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
• Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus (R*)
• American woodcock, Scolopax minor
• Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata
• Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius
• Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
• Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
• Willet, Tringa semipalmata
• Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
• Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor
• Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
• Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius (R*)

Skuas and Jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Stercorariidae

Skuas and jaegers are medium to large birds, often gray or brown. They look like big, dark gulls but have a hooked bill. They are strong, skilled fliers. Five species have been seen in Maryland.

• Great skua, Stercorarius skua (R)
• South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (R)
• Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus (R*)
• Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus (R*)
• Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (R)

Auks, Murres, and Puffins

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Alcidae

Alcids look a bit like penguins because of their black and white colors and upright stance. However, they are not closely related and can fly! Auks live in the open sea and only come to land to nest. Six species have been seen in Maryland.

• Dovekie, Alle alle (R*)
• Common murre, Uria aalge (R*)
• Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (R)
• Razorbill, Alca torda (R*)
• Black guillemot, Cepphus columba (R)
• Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica (R*)

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes   Family: Laridae

Gulls are usually medium to large birds, often gray or white with black markings. They have strong bills and webbed feet. Terns are generally medium to large birds, lighter and more streamlined than gulls. They look graceful in flight with long tails and narrow wings. Skimmers have a longer lower bill. They fly low over the water, skimming the surface to catch small fish. Thirty-two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla (R*)
• Sabine's gull, Xema sabini (R)
• Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
• Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (R*)
• Little gull, Hydrocoloeus minutus (R*)
• Silver gull, Chroicocephalus novaehollandiae (QO)
• Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (R)
• Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (R*)
• Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (R)
• Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (R)
• Common gull, Larus canus (R)
• Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis
• California gull, Larus californicus (R)
• Herring gull, Larus argentatus
• Yellow-legged gull, Larus michahellis (R)
• Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides (R*)
• Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
• Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus (R*)
• Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (R*)
• Kelp gull, Larus dominicanus (R)
• Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscatus (R*)
• Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (R*)
• Least tern, Sternula antillarum (R*)
• Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (R*)
• Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
• Black tern, Chlidonias niger
• Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (R)
• Common tern, Sterna hirundo
• Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (R)
• Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri
• Royal tern, Thalasseus maximus (R*)
• Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis (R*)
• Black skimmer, Rynchops niger (R*)

Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes   Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slender white birds that live in tropical oceans. They have very long central tail feathers. Their wings and heads have black markings. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (R)
• Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (R)

Loons

Order: Gaviiformes   Family: Gaviidae

Loons are aquatic birds, about the size of a large duck. They are mostly gray or black and have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim and fly well, but they are very clumsy on land because their legs are at the back of their bodies. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
• Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (R)
• Common loon, Gavia immer

Albatrosses

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Diomedeidae

Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds. Some, like the great albatrosses, have the biggest wingspans of any living bird. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (R)

Southern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Oceanitidae

Storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny creatures and small fish from the ocean surface, often while hovering. They have a fluttering, sometimes bat-like flight. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (R*)
• White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina (R)

Northern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Hydrobatidae

These storm-petrels look and act much like the southern storm-petrels. However, genetic differences show they belong in a separate family. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous (R*)
• Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (R)

Shearwaters and Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes   Family: Procellariidae

Procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long outer wing feather. Eight species have been seen in Maryland.

• Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (R*)
• Trindade petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana (R)
• Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (R)
• Zino's petrel/Fea's petrel, Pterodroma madeira/Pterodroma feae (R)
• Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (R*)
• Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (R*)
• Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (R*)
• Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (R*)
• Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (R*)

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes   Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy wading birds with long legs, long necks, and strong bills. They have wide wingspans. Unlike herons, storks do not have special powder to clean fish slime. Storks cannot make sounds. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Wood stork, Mycteria americana (R)

Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes   Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds found in tropical oceans. They are black or black and white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Males have colorful throat pouches that they can inflate. They cannot swim or walk well and cannot take off from flat ground. They have the largest wingspan for their body weight, allowing them to stay in the air for over a week! One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (R)

Boobies and Gannets

Order: Suliformes   Family: Sulidae

This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium-large coastal seabirds that dive headfirst into the water to catch fish. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (R)
• Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (R)
• Northern gannet, Morus bassanus (R*)

Anhingas

Order: Suliformes   Family: Anhingidae

Darters and anhingas are water birds that look like cormorants. They have long necks and straight bills. They eat fish and often swim with only their neck above the water. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga

Cormorants and Shags

Order: Suliformes   Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium to large aquatic birds, usually dark-colored. They have long, thin, hooked bills. Their feet have four webbed toes. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (R*)
• Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum
• Neotropic cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianum (R)

Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are large water birds with a special pouch under their beak. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
• Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (R*)

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Ardeidae

This family includes herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns are usually shorter-necked and more secretive. These birds fly with their necks pulled back. Thirteen species have been seen in Maryland.

• American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
• Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
• Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
• Great egret, Ardea alba
• Snowy egret, Egretta thula
• Little egret, Egretta garzetta (R)
• Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
• Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (R*)
• Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (R)
• Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
• Green heron, Butorides virescens
• Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
• Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes   Family: Threskiornithidae

This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They have long, wide wings and long bodies, necks, and legs. Ibises have bills that curve downwards, while spoonbills have straight, flat bills. Four species have been seen in Maryland.

• White ibis, Eudocimus albus
• Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
• White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (R*)
• Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (R)

New World Vultures

Order: Cathartiformes   Family: Cathartidae

New World vultures are scavengers, meaning they eat dead animals. Unlike Old World vultures, which find food by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell to find carcasses. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
• Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Pandionidae

The Osprey is a medium-large bird of prey that eats fish. It lives in many different places, as long as there is water and enough fish. It is the only member of its family. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Osprey, Pandion haliaetus

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites

Order: Accipitriformes   Family: Accipitridae

This family includes hawks, eagles, kites, and harriers. These birds of prey have large, strong, hooked beaks for tearing meat. They also have strong legs, powerful talons, and excellent eyesight. Fifteen species have been seen in Maryland.

• White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (R)
• Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus
• Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
• Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
• Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
• Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
• American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus (R)
• Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
• Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis
• Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
• Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
• Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (R)
• Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
• Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
• Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus (R)

Barn-Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and unique heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Barn owl, Tyto alba

Owls

Order: Strigiformes   Family: Strigidae

Typical owls are mostly solitary birds of prey that hunt at night. They have large eyes that face forward and good hearing. They also have a hawk-like beak and a circle of feathers around each eye. Eight species have been seen in Maryland.

• Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio
• Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
• Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
• Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (R)
• Barred owl, Strix varia
• Long-eared owl, Asio otus
• Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
• Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus

Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes   Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon

Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes   Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks. They have short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues for catching insects. Many woodpeckers tap loudly on tree trunks with their beaks. Eight species have been seen in Maryland.

• Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
• Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
• Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
• Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
• Red-cockaded woodpecker, Dryobates borealis (R)
• Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
• Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
• Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus

Falcons and Caracaras

Order: Falconiformes   Family: Falconidae

This family includes falcons and caracaras. They are birds of prey that hunt during the day. Unlike hawks and eagles, they kill their prey with their beaks instead of their talons. Five species have been seen in Maryland.

• Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (R)
• American kestrel, Falco sparverius
• Merlin, Falco columbarius
• Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
• Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus

New World and African Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes   Family: Psittacidae

Parrots are birds of various sizes with a curved beak. They have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward on each foot. Most of the over 150 species in this family live in the New World. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (Xt)
• Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (QO)

Tyrant Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are songbirds found across North and South America. They look a bit like Old World flycatchers but are stronger and have sturdier bills. Most of them eat insects. Twenty-two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens (R)
• Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus
• Great kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus (accidental)
• Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (R)
• Couch's kingbird, Tyrannus couchii (R)
• Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
• Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus
• Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis (R)
• Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (R)
• Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (R)
• Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi
• Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens
• Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris
• Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens
• Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum
• Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii
• Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus
• Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii (R)
• Western flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis (R)
• Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe
• Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya (R)
• Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (R)

Vireos and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Vireonidae

Vireos are small to medium-sized songbirds. They are usually greenish and look like wood-warblers, but they have heavier bills. Seven species have been seen in Maryland.

• White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
• Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (R)
• Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
• Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius
• Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
• Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
• Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus

Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are songbirds known for catching small animals and impaling them on thorns. Their beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (R)
• Northern shrike, Lanius borealis

Crows, Jays, and Magpies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Corvidae

This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Corvids are larger songbirds, and some are very intelligent. Four species have been seen in Maryland.

• Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
• American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
• Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus
• Common raven, Corvus corax (R*)

Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mostly small, sturdy woodland birds with short, strong bills. They eat both seeds and insects. Five species have been seen in Maryland.

• Carolina chickadee, Poecile carolinensis (R*)
• Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla (R*)
• Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (R)
• Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor
• Great tit, Parus major (EO)

Larks

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small ground birds known for their fancy songs and display flights. Most larks are plain in color. They eat insects and seeds. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris

Swallows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Hirundinidae

This family is built for catching food while flying. They have slender bodies, long, pointed wings, and short bills with wide mouths. Their feet are better for perching than walking. Seven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
• Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
• Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
• Purple martin, Progne subis
• Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
• Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
• Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva

Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Regulidae

Kinglets are a family of small birds that eat insects. Adult kinglets have colorful crowns, which is how they got their name. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
• Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa

Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Bombycillidae

Waxwings are birds with soft, silky feathers and unique red tips on some wing feathers that look like sealing wax. These birds live in northern forests. They eat insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been seen in Maryland.

• Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus (R)
• Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum

Nuthatches

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have a special ability to climb down trees headfirst, unlike most other birds. Nuthatches have large heads, short tails, and strong bills and feet. Three species have been seen in Maryland.

• Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
• White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis
• Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla (R*)

Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds with brown backs and white undersides. They have thin, curved bills that they use to pull insects from tree bark. Their stiff tail feathers help them support themselves on tree trunks, like woodpeckers. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Brown creeper, Certhia americana

Gnatcatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Polioptilidae

These delicate birds look like Old World warblers. They move quickly through leaves looking for insects. Gnatcatchers are usually soft bluish-gray and have long, sharp bills. Many have black patterns on their heads and long, black and white tails. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea

Wrens

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small, often hidden birds, but they have very loud songs. They have short wings and thin, curved bills. Some species often hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Seven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (R)
• House wren, Troglodytes aedon
• Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis
• Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis
• Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
• Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
• Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (R)

Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Mimidae

This family includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and catbirds. These birds are famous for their amazing songs and their ability to copy many other bird calls and outdoor sounds. They are usually dull gray and brown. Five species have been seen in Maryland.

• Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
• Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
• Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (R)
• Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos
• Chalk-browed mockingbird, Mimus saturninus (accidental)

Starlings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World songbirds with strong feet. They fly strongly and directly, and most live in groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Many species have dark feathers with a shiny, metallic look. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)

Thrushes and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Turdidae

Thrushes are a group of songbirds, mostly found in the Old World. They are plump, soft-feathered, and small to medium-sized. They eat insects and sometimes other foods, often feeding on the ground. Eleven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
• Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (R)
• Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (R)
• Veery, Catharus fuscescens
• Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
• Bicknell's thrush, Catharus bicknelli (R*)
• Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
• Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
• Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
• American robin, Turdus migratorius
• Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (R)

Old World Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Muscicapidae

The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small songbirds. They are mainly small birds that live in trees and eat insects, often catching them in flight. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (R)

Old World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small songbirds. They are usually plump, brownish or grayish birds with short tails and strong bills. Sparrows eat seeds, but they also eat small insects. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Motacillidae

This family includes wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender, small songbirds with medium to long tails. They eat insects from the ground in open areas. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• American pipit, Anthus rubescens

Finches and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Fringillidae

Finches are songbirds that eat seeds. They are small to medium-sized and have strong, often cone-shaped bills. They fly with a bouncing motion, flapping and then gliding with closed wings. Most finches sing well. Ten species have been seen in Maryland.

• Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
• Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator (R)
• House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced in the east)
• Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
• Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
• Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (R)
• European greenfinch, Chloris chloris (QO)
• Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
• White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
• European goldfinch, Carduelis tristis (QO)
• Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
• American goldfinch, Spinus tristis

Longspurs and Snow Buntings

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Calcariidae

This group of songbirds used to be with the New World sparrows. They are found in open grassy areas. Four species have been seen in Maryland.

• Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
• Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (R)
• Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (R)
• Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis

New World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Passerellidae

These birds were once part of another family, but they are now in their own group. Most are called sparrows, but they are not closely related to the Old World sparrows. Many have unique patterns on their heads. Twenty-nine species have been seen in Maryland.

• Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (R)
• Bachman's sparrow, Peucaea aestivalis (R)
• Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum
• Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
• Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (R)
• Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina
• Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
• Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla
• Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
• American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
• Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis
• White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
• Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (R)
• Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (R)
• White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis
• Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus
• LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii (R)
• Seaside sparrow, Ammospiza maritima (R*)
• Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni
• Saltmarsh sparrow, Ammospiza caudacuta (R*)
• Baird's sparrow, Centronyx bairdii (R)
• Henslow's sparrow, Centronyx henslowii (R*)
• Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis
• Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia
• Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii
• Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana
• Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (R)
• Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus (R)
• Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus

Yellow-breasted Chat

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteriidae

This bird was once thought to be a wood-warbler, but now it has its own family. One species has been seen in Maryland.

• Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens

Troupials and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Icteridae

This group includes grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. They are small to medium-sized, often colorful songbirds found only in the New World. Most are black, sometimes with bright yellow, orange, or red. Fourteen species have been seen in Maryland.

• Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus (R*)
• Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
• Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
• Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta (R)
• Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
• Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (R)
• Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
• Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
• Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis (R)
• Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
• Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
• Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (R)
• Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
• Boat-tailed grackle, Quiscalus major (R*)

New World Warblers

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Parulidae

Wood-warblers are a group of small, often colorful songbirds found only in the New World. Most live in trees, but some, like the Ovenbird, live more on the ground. Most members of this family eat insects. Forty-one species have been seen in Maryland.

• Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla
• Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum
• Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla
• Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis
• Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera
• Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera
• Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia
• Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea
• Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (R)
• Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina
• Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
• Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla
• Virginia's warbler, Leiothlypis virginiae (R)
• Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
• Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia
• Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa
• Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas
• Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina
• American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla
• Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
• Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea
• Northern parula, Setophaga americana
• Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia
• Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
• Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca
• Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia
• Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica
• Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata
• Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens
• Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
• Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus
• Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata
• Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica
• Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor
• Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (R)
• Kirtland's warbler, Setophaga kirtlandii (R)
• Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (R)
• Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (R)
• Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
• Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis
• Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla

Cardinals and Allies

Order: Passeriformes   Family: Cardinalidae

Cardinals are strong, seed-eating birds with powerful bills. They usually live in open woodlands. Males and females often have different colored feathers. Eleven species have been seen in Maryland.

• Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (R*)
• Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
• Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (R)
• Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
• Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
• Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (R)
• Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
• Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena (R)
• Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
• Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (R*)
• Dickcissel, Spiza americana

See also

• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region
• List of North American birds

Images for kids

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  The Baltimore oriole is the state bird of Maryland.