This article explores the fascinating world of 14 brown birds commonly found in Delaware. From sparrows to finches, identifying these birds can be a challenging task due to their common color and lack of defining characteristics. However, fear not! This comprehensive list not only provides descriptions of each bird’s identifying features but also includes range maps to help birdwatchers track them down. Furthermore, the article goes beyond mere visuals and delves into the specific behaviors and habits of these birds, shedding light on their preferred habitats and feeding preferences. Whether you’re an avid bird enthusiast or simply looking to attract these beautiful creatures to your backyard, this article offers valuable tips on how to make your space bird-friendly. So grab your binoculars and get ready to learn more about the wonderful brown birds of Delaware!
1. American Robin
Appearance
The American Robin is a medium-sized songbird with a vibrant orange breast, gray-brown back, and a distinct white eyering. They have a long, thin beak that is perfect for catching and eating earthworms.
Range and Habitat
American Robins are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. They are commonly seen in open fields, lawns, forests, and suburban areas. During the winter months, they may migrate to southern regions in search of food.
Feeding Habits
American Robins primarily feed on earthworms, insects, fruits, and berries. They have a unique feeding behavior called “worm-jerking,” where they locate an earthworm on the ground, grasp its body with their beak, and then tug it out of the soil with a quick motion. They also hop on the ground to find insects and berries.
Behavior
American Robins are known for their melodious song, which is often heard in the early morning. They are territorial birds and will defend their nesting areas vigorously. They are also known for their characteristic “head tilt,” where they cock their head to the side to listen for sounds.
2. Northern Cardinal
Appearance
The Northern Cardinal is a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive crest on its head. The male has bright red plumage, while the female has a more subdued coloration, with a reddish-brown body and a grayish crest. Both sexes have a black mask around their eyes.
Range and Habitat
Northern Cardinals are native to North America and can be found throughout the United States, Mexico, and parts of Canada. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, including woodlands, gardens, and parks.
Feeding Habits
Northern Cardinals have a varied diet that includes seeds, fruits, insects, and spiders. They can often be seen at bird feeders, where they prefer sunflower seeds and safflower seeds. They are known for their distinctive feeding behavior, where they hold a seed in their beak and then crack it open with a quick, sideways motion.
Behavior
Northern Cardinals are monogamous birds, with the male and female forming a long-term pair bond. They are known for their beautiful song, which consists of a series of clear, whistling notes. They are also highly territorial and will defend their feeding and nesting areas from intruders.
3. House Sparrow
Appearance
The House Sparrow is a small, stocky bird with a short, conical beak. The males have bright chestnut wings, grayish-brown plumage, and a black bib on their throat. The females are duller in color, with streaked brown plumage.
Range and Habitat
Originally native to Europe and Asia, House Sparrows have been introduced to North America, where they are now widely distributed. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, farmland, and grasslands.
Feeding Habits
House Sparrows have a diverse diet that includes seeds, grains, fruits, insects, and scraps of food. They are often seen feeding on the ground or at bird feeders, where they prefer grains and sunflower seeds.
Behavior
House Sparrows are highly social birds and are often found in large flocks. They are aggressive competitors for food and nesting sites, often displacing native bird species. They build their nests in cavities, including birdhouses, buildings, and tree hollows.
4. Eastern Towhee
Appearance
The Eastern Towhee is a medium-sized bird with a striking black upper body, a rusty-red underbody, and white wing bars. The male has a black head and back, while the female has a brownish-black head and back.
Range and Habitat
Eastern Towhees breed in the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada. They prefer woodland edges, shrubby areas, and overgrown fields. During the winter months, they may migrate to southern regions.
Feeding Habits
Eastern Towhees primarily feed on the ground, scratching through leaf litter and soil in search of insects, seeds, and berries. They are known for their distinctive “towhee” call, which sounds like their name.
Behavior
Eastern Towhees are often heard before they are seen. They are shy birds that prefer to stay hidden in dense vegetation. Males will defend their territories vigorously, singing loudly to establish their presence. They build their nests on the ground or in low shrubs.
5. Brown Thrasher
Appearance
The Brown Thrasher is a large, long-tailed bird with a reddish-brown back, a creamy-white chest with dark streaks, and a long, curved beak. They have bright yellow eyes and are often seen flicking their long, rufous-colored tails.
Range and Habitat
Brown Thrashers are found throughout the eastern and central United States, as well as parts of Canada and Mexico. They prefer habitats with dense shrubs and undergrowth, such as woodlands, forest edges, and overgrown fields.
Feeding Habits
Brown Thrashers have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, berries, and seeds. They use their long beaks to probe the ground and leaf litter in search of food. They are also skilled at catching insects in mid-air.
Behavior
Brown Thrashers are known for their beautiful song, which consists of a series of rich, melodious notes. They are highly territorial birds and will aggressively defend their feeding and nesting areas. They build their nests in bushes or low trees.
6. Song Sparrow
Appearance
The Song Sparrow is a small bird with a streaked brown back, a grayish-white chest with dark streaks, and a long, rounded tail. They have a small, conical beak and a distinctive rust-colored cap on their head.
Range and Habitat
Song Sparrows are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to Mexico. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including marshes, wetlands, grasslands, and gardens. They are often seen near water.
Feeding Habits
Song Sparrows primarily feed on seeds, insects, and spiders. They forage on the ground, scratching the soil and leaf litter to uncover their food. They are also known to visit bird feeders, where they prefer millet, sunflower seeds, and cracked corn.
Behavior
Song Sparrows are singers, with the males producing a lovely song that varies regionally. They are highly territorial birds and will defend their nesting areas from intruders. They build their nests on or near the ground, using grasses and other plant materials.
7. Carolina Wren
Appearance
The Carolina Wren is a small bird with a round body, short wings, and a long, upward-curving tail. They have reddish-brown plumage on their back, a buff-colored underbody, and a distinctive white stripe above their eyes.
Range and Habitat
Carolina Wrens are found in the southeastern United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America. They prefer habitats with dense vegetation, including woodlands, brushy areas, and gardens.
Feeding Habits
Carolina Wrens primarily feed on insects, spiders, and other small invertebrates. They forage on the ground or in low vegetation, hopping and climbing to search for food. They may also visit bird feeders, where they enjoy suet and mealworms.
Behavior
Carolina Wrens are known for their loud, melodious song, which can be heard throughout the day. They are territorial birds and will vigorously defend their nesting areas. They build their nests in cavities, including birdhouses, brush piles, and planters.
8. Common Grackle
Appearance
The Common Grackle is a large, long-tailed bird with iridescent black plumage. The males have a glossy purple head, while the females have a brown head. They have bright yellow eyes and a long, sturdy beak.
Range and Habitat
Common Grackles are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada to parts of Mexico. They prefer open habitats, including forests, wetlands, grasslands, and urban areas.
Feeding Habits
Common Grackles have a diverse diet that includes seeds, grains, insects, small vertebrates, and even garbage. They forage on the ground, probing the soil with their beak, or they may eat from bird feeders. They are known for their aggressive behavior at feeders.
Behavior
Common Grackles form large flocks, especially during the winter months. They are highly social birds and can be seen roosting together in large numbers. Males will perform elaborate displays to attract mates, including puffing up their feathers and shaking their wings.
9. European Starling
Appearance
The European Starling is a medium-sized bird with a short tail, a stout beak, and strong legs. They have a glossy black plumage with iridescent spots, which can appear purple or green in certain lighting conditions.
Range and Habitat
European Starlings are native to Europe but have been introduced to North America, where they are now widely distributed. They can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, farmlands, and grasslands.
Feeding Habits
European Starlings have a varied diet that includes insects, fruits, berries, seeds, and small vertebrates. They forage on the ground, but they can also be seen probing the soil with their beak or catching insects in mid-air.
Behavior
European Starlings are highly social birds and are often found in large flocks, especially during the winter months. They are known for their ability to mimic other bird species, as well as human-made sounds. They build their nests in cavities, including birdhouses and tree hollows.
10. Eastern Phoebe
Appearance
The Eastern Phoebe is a small, round-bellied bird with a dark gray-brown back and a pale yellowish-white underbody. They have a broad, flat head, a short tail, and a distinctive black bill.
Range and Habitat
Eastern Phoebes are found throughout eastern North America, from Canada to Mexico. They prefer habitats near water, including woodlands, forests, and suburban areas. They are often seen near streams or ponds.
Feeding Habits
Eastern Phoebes primarily feed on flying insects, such as flies, moths, and beetles. They perch on branches or other elevated objects, then fly out to catch their prey in mid-air. They may also hover near the ground to catch insects.
Behavior
Eastern Phoebes are known for their distinctive “phoebe” call, which they repeat frequently. They are territorial birds and will vigorously defend their nesting areas. They build their nests on ledges, beams, or other structures, often near water.
