Top 15 Birds in Maryland
Maryland is home to a rich variety of bird species that thrive across its forests, wetlands, coastal regions, and urban areas. Below are 15 of the most iconic and fascinating birds you can encounter in the state.
1. Northern Cardinal (Cardinalis cardinalis)
- Description: The Northern Cardinal is easily recognized by its bright red plumage (in males) and distinctive crest. Females are a soft brown with red tinges.
- Habitat: Woodlands, gardens, shrublands, and suburban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser; helps control insect populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
2. American Robin (Turdus migratorius)
- Description: A familiar songbird with a reddish-orange breast, gray upperparts, and a cheerful song.
- Habitat: Forest edges, lawns, parks, and gardens.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control; disperses fruit seeds.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
3. Blue Jay (Cyanocitta cristata)
- Description: A striking blue and white bird with a loud, varied call and a crest on its head.
- Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, suburban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Acorn disperser; predator deterrent through alarm calls.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
4. Bald Eagle (Haliaeetus leucocephalus)
- Description: A large raptor with a white head and tail contrasting with a dark brown body and wings.
- Habitat: Near rivers, lakes, and coasts.
- Ecosystem Services: Scavenger that helps clean the environment; top predator maintaining balance in fish populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (recovered from Endangered).
5. Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis)
- Description: A robust hawk with a reddish-brown tail, broad wings, and a loud, raspy scream.
- Habitat: Open fields, forests, deserts, and highways.
- Ecosystem Services: Rodent control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
6. Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus)
- Description: A small, chunky bird with a loud voice, rusty-brown color, and a bold white eyebrow stripe.
- Habitat: Thickets, woodlands, gardens.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
7. Mourning Dove (Zenaida macroura)
- Description: A slender, soft gray-brown dove with a distinctive mournful cooing call.
- Habitat: Open fields, woodland edges, urban areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser; prey for raptors.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
8. Downy Woodpecker (Dryobates pubescens)
- Description: The smallest North American woodpecker, black and white with a small bill.
- Habitat: Woodlands, orchards, parks.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control, especially tree pests.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
9. Great Blue Heron (Ardea herodias)
- Description: A large, elegant wading bird with bluish-gray plumage and a long neck.
- Habitat: Marshes, shores, wetlands.
- Ecosystem Services: Controls fish and amphibian populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
10. Eastern Bluebird (Sialia sialis)
- Description: A small thrush with bright blue plumage and a rusty red breast.
- Habitat: Open woodlands, fields with scattered trees, orchards.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (recovered from declines).
11. Pileated Woodpecker (Dryocopus pileatus)
- Description: A large woodpecker with a striking red crest and loud call.
- Habitat: Mature forests, large wooded areas.
- Ecosystem Services: Helps control insect infestations; creates tree cavities used by other species.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
12. American Goldfinch (Spinus tristis)
- Description: A small, bright yellow bird (in breeding males) with black wings and cap.
- Habitat: Fields, meadows, gardens, open woodlands.
- Ecosystem Services: Seed disperser, especially for native plants.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
13. Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor)
- Description: A small gray songbird with a distinctive tufted crest and big black eyes.
- Habitat: Deciduous forests, parks, gardens.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control, seed dispersal.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
14. Red-bellied Woodpecker (Melanerpes carolinus)
- Description: A medium-sized woodpecker with a striking red cap and nape, and faint reddish wash on the belly.
- Habitat: Woodlands, suburbs, orchards.
- Ecosystem Services: Insect control, tree health maintenance.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern.
15. Osprey (Pandion haliaetus)
- Description: A large raptor with dark eye stripes and long wings, often seen diving for fish.
- Habitat: Coastal waters, rivers, lakes.
- Ecosystem Services: Helps regulate fish populations.
- Conservation Status: Least Concern (recovered from pesticide declines).
