In this article, readers will find a concise and informative summary of the 11 types of grey birds that can be found in the state of Washington. From the White-breasted Nuthatch to the Loggerhead Shrike, each bird is described in terms of their characteristic features, preferred habitats, and feeding habits. Additionally, the article provides valuable information for bird enthusiasts, including identification tips and range maps for each bird. Whether you are an avid birder or simply curious about the diverse avian population of Washington, this summary is sure to captivate your interest.

White-breasted Nuthatch

Characteristics

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small, compact bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a short tail, a long, pointed bill, and a short neck. The upperparts of this bird are grayish-blue, while the underparts are white, giving it its name. It also has a black cap on its head and a black stripe running through its eye.

Habitat

The White-breasted Nuthatch can be found in a variety of woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests. It prefers areas with plenty of trees and is often seen in parks and gardens as well.

Feeding Habits

This bird has a unique feeding behavior. It is known for its ability to climb head-first down tree trunks, thanks to its strong legs and feet. It uses its sharp bill to probe for insects and spiders hidden in the bark of trees. It also eats seeds and nuts and may visit bird feeders for a quick snack.

Range Map

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a year-round resident in most parts of Washington state. It can be found throughout the state, with the exception of the Olympic Peninsula and some parts of the Cascades.

Identification Tips

To identify the White-breasted Nuthatch, look for its black cap, white underparts, and grayish-blue upperparts. Its distinctive behavior of climbing head-first down trees is also a key characteristic to watch for.

Mourning Dove

Characteristics

The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird with a slender body and a long, pointed tail. It has a soft, gray-brown plumage and a pale, buff-colored belly. Its wings make a distinctive whistling sound when it takes off in flight.

Habitat

Mourning Doves can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, fields, and suburban areas. They are often seen perched on telephone wires or foraging on the ground for seeds.

Feeding Habits

This bird primarily feeds on seeds, especially those of grasses and weeds. Its diet also includes small fruits, berries, and insects. Mourning Doves are common visitors to bird feeders, where they will eagerly eat a variety of seeds.

Range Map

The Mourning Dove is a common bird throughout Washington state. It can be found in both urban and rural areas, and its range covers the entire state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Mourning Dove, look for its slender body, long, pointed tail, and soft, gray-brown plumage. Its whistling wings and distinctive cooing call are also helpful characteristics for identification.

Eurasian Collared-Dove

Characteristics

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a medium-sized bird with a stout body and a long, square-ended tail. It has a pale gray plumage, a black half-collar on its neck, and a broad white stripe on the edge of its tail.

Habitat

This dove can be found in a variety of habitats, including urban areas, agricultural lands, and open woodlands. It is often seen perched on power lines or rooftops.

Feeding Habits

The Eurasian Collared-Dove primarily feeds on seeds, especially those of weeds and cultivated crops. It will also eat small fruits and insects. Like the Mourning Dove, it is a common visitor to bird feeders.

Range Map

The Eurasian Collared-Dove is a relatively new arrival in Washington state. It was introduced to North America in the 1980s and has since spread rapidly across the continent. It can now be found throughout most of the state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Eurasian Collared-Dove, look for its stout body, long, square-ended tail, and pale gray plumage. The black half-collar on its neck and the broad white stripe on the edge of its tail are also distinctive features.

Black-capped Chickadee

Characteristics

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small, compact bird with a round body and a short neck. It has a black cap on its head, a white face, and a grayish-black back. Its underparts are white, and it has a short, stubby tail.

Habitat

This chickadee can be found in a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, parks, and gardens. It is especially fond of areas with plenty of trees and shrubs.

Feeding Habits

The Black-capped Chickadee primarily feeds on insects and spiders, which it finds by probing in the bark and foliage of trees. It also eats seeds, nuts, and berries. It is a common visitor to bird feeders, where it will eagerly eat sunflower seeds and other treats.

Range Map

The Black-capped Chickadee is a year-round resident in Washington state. It can be found throughout the state, from lowland areas to mountainous regions.

Identification Tips

To identify the Black-capped Chickadee, look for its black cap, white face, and grayish-black back. Its short, stubby tail and round body are also characteristic features.

Mountain Chickadee

Characteristics

The Mountain Chickadee is a small, compact bird with a round body and a short neck. It has a black cap on its head, a white face, and a gray back. Its underparts are white, and it has a short, stubby tail.

Habitat

As its name suggests, the Mountain Chickadee is often found in mountainous regions. It can be found in a variety of coniferous forests, including spruce, fir, and pine forests. It is also known to visit parks and gardens.

Feeding Habits

This chickadee primarily feeds on insects and spiders, which it finds by probing in the bark and foliage of trees. It also eats seeds, nuts, and berries. Like its cousins, it is a regular visitor to bird feeders.

Range Map

The Mountain Chickadee is a year-round resident in Washington state. It can be found in the higher elevations of the state, particularly in the Cascades and the northeastern part of the state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Mountain Chickadee, look for its black cap, white face, and gray back. Its short, stubby tail and round body are also characteristic features. Its presence in mountainous regions is another helpful identification clue.

Gray Catbird

Characteristics

The Gray Catbird is a medium-sized bird with a slender body and a long, rounded tail. It has a slate gray plumage, a black cap on its head, and a small patch of rusty-red feathers under its tail.

Habitat

This bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, thickets, and gardens. It is often found near water, such as streams or wetlands.

Feeding Habits

The Gray Catbird primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which it finds by foraging in the undergrowth and leaf litter. It also eats berries and fruits. It is not a common visitor to bird feeders.

Range Map

The Gray Catbird is a migratory bird in Washington state. It can be found in the state from late spring to early fall, with the highest numbers seen in the eastern part of the state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Gray Catbird, look for its slate gray plumage, black cap, and rusty-red patch under its tail. Its slender body, long, rounded tail, and skulking behavior in dense vegetation are also helpful characteristics for identification.

Northern Mockingbird

Characteristics

The Northern Mockingbird is a medium-sized bird with a slender body and long wings. It has a grayish-brown back, a pale gray underbelly, and white wingbars. Its short tail is black with white outer feathers.

Habitat

This bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including open woodlands, parks, and suburban areas. It is often seen perched on treetops or fences.

Feeding Habits

The Northern Mockingbird has a diverse diet, feeding on insects, berries, fruits, and even small reptiles and amphibians. It is an opportunistic feeder and will readily visit bird feeders for a quick meal.

Range Map

The Northern Mockingbird is a rare visitor to Washington state. It can be found sporadically throughout the state, with sightings reported in both eastern and western Washington.

Identification Tips

To identify the Northern Mockingbird, look for its grayish-brown back, pale gray underbelly, and white wingbars. The black and white tail and long wings are also helpful identification features. Its ability to mimic the songs of other birds is another distinctive characteristic to watch for.

Bushtit

Characteristics

The Bushtit is a tiny, social bird with a round body and a long tail. It has a drab plumage, with a pale gray back, a whitish underbelly, and a small black cap on its head.

Habitat

This bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, shrubby areas, and parks. It is often found in small flocks, foraging together in dense vegetation.

Feeding Habits

The Bushtit primarily feeds on insects and spiders, which it finds by probing in the bark and foliage of trees and shrubs. It will also eat small fruits and berries. It is not a common visitor to bird feeders.

Range Map

The Bushtit is a year-round resident in Washington state. It can be found throughout most of the state, with the highest numbers seen in the western part of the state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Bushtit, look for its round body, long tail, and drab plumage. Its small black cap and pale gray back are also characteristic features. Its tendency to forage in small flocks is another helpful clue for identification.

Canada Jay/Gray Jay

Characteristics

The Canada Jay, also known as the Gray Jay, is a medium-sized bird with a compact body and a short tail. It has a gray plumage, a white throat, and a black cap on its head.

Habitat

This jay can be found in a variety of habitats, including coniferous forests, especially those with spruce and fir trees. It is often seen in higher elevations.

Feeding Habits

The Canada Jay primarily feeds on insects and other small invertebrates, which it finds by foraging in the bark and foliage of trees. It will also eat seeds, nuts, and berries. It is known for its habit of caching food for later consumption.

Range Map

The Canada Jay is a resident bird in Washington state. It can be found in the higher elevations of the state, particularly in the Cascades and the northeastern part of the state.

Identification Tips

To identify the Canada Jay, look for its compact body, short tail, and gray plumage. Its black cap and white throat are also distinctive features. Its association with coniferous forests and higher elevations is another characteristic to watch for.

Loggerhead Shrike

Characteristics

The Loggerhead Shrike is a medium-sized bird with a stocky body and a hooked bill. It has a gray back, a white underbelly, and a black mask across its eyes.

Habitat

This bird can be found in a variety of habitats, including open grasslands, shrubby areas, and agricultural lands. It is often seen perched on vertical objects, such as fenceposts or utility wires.

Feeding Habits

The Loggerhead Shrike is a predatory bird that feeds on a variety of small animals, including insects, rodents, lizards, and even small birds. It will often impale its prey on thorns or barbed wire to store for later consumption.

Range Map

The Loggerhead Shrike is a rare visitor to Washington state. It can be found sporadically throughout the state, with sightings reported in both eastern and western Washington.

Identification Tips

To identify the Loggerhead Shrike, look for its stocky body, hooked bill, and gray plumage. Its black mask across its eyes and white underbelly are also characteristic features. Its predatory behavior and habit of impaling prey are additional clues for identification.

This comprehensive article provides information on various types of grey birds commonly seen in Washington state. Each bird’s characteristics, habitat preferences, feeding habits, range maps, and identification tips are highlighted. From the White-breasted Nuthatch’s ability to climb head-first down trees to the Mourning Dove’s distinctive whistling wings, each bird has its unique traits and behaviors. The article also mentions how some of these birds are frequent visitors to bird feeders, adding to their appeal for bird enthusiasts. With this comprehensive guide, readers can easily identify and appreciate the diverse array of grey birds in Washington.