Michigan is a beautiful state with diverse wildlife, including many bird species. Among these birds, the brown ones are particularly interesting. They come in different shapes and sizes, and each has unique habits and characteristics. Whether you are a birdwatcher or just enjoy nature, learning about brown birds in Michigan can be fun and exciting. This guide will introduce you to some of the most common brown birds you can find in this state.
List of 15 Brown Birds In Michigan
| No. | Bird Name | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | American Robin | Red breast, often seen on lawns |
| 2 | House Sparrow | Small, noisy, common in urban areas |
| 3 | Brown Thrasher | Long tail, yellow eyes, sings varied songs |
| 4 | Song Sparrow | Streaked chest, melodious song |
| 5 | House Wren | Tiny, energetic, bubbly song |
| 6 | Mourning Dove | Soft cooing call, sleek body |
| 7 | Northern Flicker | Spotted belly, bright red patch on head |
| 8 | Carolina Wren | Small, loud singer, white eyebrow stripe |
| 9 | Eastern Phoebe | Small, plain brown, bobbing tail |
| 10 | Brown-headed Cowbird | Glossy black males, brown females |
| 11 | Cedar Waxwing | Sleek, crested, eats berries |
| 12 | Eastern Towhee | Black and white with reddish sides, scratchy call |
| 13 | Hermit Thrush | Brown back, reddish tail, beautiful song |
| 14 | Wood Thrush | Rich brown, spotted chest, flute-like song |
| 15 | Swamp Sparrow | Dark brown, found near wetlands |
Brown Birds Around Us
Brown birds are our feathered friends who live all around us – in our yards, parks, and even in forests. They come in different sizes, but they’re all a lovely brown color. Let’s talk about how we can make them feel safe and happy.
Making Birds Feel Safe
Birds are small and need safe places to eat, drink, and rest. To help them, we can put out food and water for them. It’s like making a little picnic just for them! We can put food like seeds in a special dish or feeder. For water, a small bowl or birdbath can be a great spot where they can sip or splash. If you’re outside, be gentle and quiet. Birds feel safe when we move slowly and don’t make loud noises.
Inviting Brown Birds to Visit
If we want birds to come close to our home, we can plant small bushes and flowers. These plants help them feel at home and give them places to hide or find food, like tiny insects they like to eat. Using flowers and plants from our area makes the birds extra happy because it reminds them of the wild places they come from.
Being Kind to Birds
When we watch birds, we can look from a bit of a distance. Binoculars help us see them up close without getting too close. They help us spot all the pretty patterns on their feathers and watch how they hop, eat, and sing.
Helping Nature
Birds are very helpful to nature! They eat little bugs that might hurt plants, and they help new plants grow by spreading seeds. By being kind to birds and giving them a nice place to visit, we help make nature stronger and happier.
Enjoying brown birds is fun and makes the world a friendlier place for everyone! We can make a small, safe space for them, and they’ll make our lives a little more wonderful in return.
Brown Birds In Michigan
Michigan is home to several species of brown-colored birds that can be found in a variety of habitats, from forests and wetlands to urban areas. Common brown birds in the state include the House Sparrow, often seen in cities, the Brown Thrasher with its reddish-brown feathers and rich songs, and the Song Sparrow, known for its streaky brown appearance and melodic tunes. The Eastern Towhee and Swamp Sparrow are also frequent visitors to forests and wetlands, while the Hermit Thrush, known for its beautiful song, prefers wooded areas. These birds contribute to Michigan’s rich birdlife and can be easily spotted throughout the state.
1. American Robin
Appearance
The American Robin has a red-orange belly, a gray back, and a white tummy. Males and females look almost the same, but the males are a little brighter. They have dark heads and a small white circle around their eyes, which helps us tell them apart.
Migration Habits
In the winter, American Robins travel to warmer places like the southern U.S., Mexico, or Central America. Some robins stay where they are if there is enough food, even in the cold. They move to places where they can find food easily.
Nesting
Female robins build their nests using grass, twigs, and mud. They usually make their nests in trees, but sometimes they use ledges on buildings. The nest holds 3 or 4 light blue eggs, which the mother bird keeps warm.
Feeding Behavior
American Robins eat worms, bugs, and berries. In the spring and summer, they mostly eat worms and insects. In the fall and winter, they switch to eating berries and fruit. You might see them hopping on the ground, pulling up worms from the dirt.
Behavior and Personality
Robins are friendly and active birds. Males sing loud songs in the morning to show where they live. They aren’t scared of people and often come to yards or parks to find food. When they fly, they flap their wings quickly and then glide smoothly.
Habitat
Robins can live in many places like forests, gardens, parks, and cities. They like open spaces where they can search for food, and they need trees for building their nests. You might see them in your yard, especially in the spring and summer, when they are looking for insects and berries.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 to 11 inches in length |
| Color | Red breast, gray-brown back, white belly |
| Bill | Long and slender, ideal for catching worms |
| Song | Cheerful, melodious with a series of phrases |
2. House Sparrow
- Scientific Name: Passer domesticus
- Size: 14-18 cm (5.5-7.1 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, grains, and insects
- Weight: 24-40 grams (0.8-1.4 ounces)
Appearance
The House Sparrow is a small bird with a round body. Males have a gray head, brown back, and a black patch on their chest. Females and young sparrows are mostly brown with streaks, and their colors are softer.
Migration Habits
House Sparrows don’t usually travel far. They mostly stay in the same place all year round, close to homes, parks, and cities. They don’t migrate like other birds, as they can find food nearby in both warm and cold weather.
Nesting
House Sparrows build their nests in small holes or cracks in buildings, trees, or even birdhouses. They use grass, feathers, and paper to make a soft home. The mother lays about 3-6 eggs, and both parents take care of the babies.
Feeding Behavior
House Sparrows eat seeds, grains, and small insects. They like to find food near people, often eating crumbs from the ground or bird feeders. They are not picky and can find food in many places.
Behavior and Personality
House Sparrows are social birds and live in groups. They chirp a lot and are not shy around people. You might see them hopping around parks or city streets looking for food. They like to stay close to where people live.
Habitat
House Sparrows live in cities, towns, farms, and near homes. They like being in places where people are because it’s easier to find food. You can see them in backyards, on rooftops, or near bird feeders, especially where seeds are available.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.5 to 6.3 inches in length |
| Color | Brown and gray with a slightly darker crown |
| Bill | Short and stout, perfect for seed-cracking |
| Song | A series of short, chirpy notes |
3. Brown Thrasher
- Scientific Name: Toxostoma rufum
- Size: 23-30 cm (9-12 inches)
- Diet: Insects, fruits, and seeds
- Weight: 61-89 grams (2.1-3.1 ounces)
Appearance
The Brown Thrasher has a long, slender body with reddish-brown feathers on its back and pale, spotted underparts. Its bright yellow eyes and long tail make it stand out. Both males and females look alike, with strong, curved beaks for eating insects.
Migration Habits
Brown Thrashers migrate to warmer places in winter. They live in the eastern and central United States during the breeding season and move to the southern U.S. for the winter. However, some may stay in their breeding areas if the winter is mild.
Nesting
Brown Thrashers build their nests low to the ground, often in shrubs or small trees. They use twigs, grass, and leaves to create a sturdy nest. The female lays about 3-5 eggs, and both parents help feed the chicks after they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Brown Thrashers eat insects, berries, and seeds. They use their strong beaks to dig through leaves on the ground, looking for food. They also eat fruits from bushes and trees, and sometimes visit feeders.
Behavior and Personality
Brown Thrashers are shy birds, often staying hidden in thick bushes. But when they feel threatened, they can be bold and even aggressive, defending their nests from intruders. They are excellent singers, known for their long and varied songs, which include over 1,000 different tunes!
Habitat
Brown Thrashers live in woodlands, thickets, and gardens. They like places with lots of bushes where they can hide and find food. You can often spot them in backyards with dense shrubs, or near forest edges where there is plenty of cover.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 to 11 inches in length |
| Color | Reddish-brown with streaked chest |
| Bill | Long and slightly curved |
| Song | Rich, varied with numerous mimicked calls |
4. Song Sparrow
- Scientific Name: Melospiza melodia
- Size: 12-17 cm (4.7-6.7 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and fruits
- Weight: 18-28 grams (0.6-1.0 ounces)
Appearance
The Song Sparrow is a small bird with brown and white streaked feathers on its body. It has a rounded head and a short, stout beak. Its chest has dark streaks that often form a small spot in the center, which helps identify it.
Migration Habits
Some Song Sparrows migrate to warmer areas in winter, but many stay in the same region all year if there’s enough food. In colder areas, they move south to places like the southern U.S. or Mexico, returning north in the spring.
Nesting
Song Sparrows build their nests close to the ground, often in bushes or tall grass. They use grass, leaves, and small twigs to create a soft nest. The female lays 3-5 small, speckled eggs, and both parents care for the chicks after they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Song Sparrows eat seeds, insects, and small fruits. They forage on the ground or in low plants, searching for food. Insects like beetles and caterpillars are important during the breeding season, while seeds and berries are their main food in the winter.
Behavior and Personality
Song Sparrows are known for their cheerful songs, which they sing to attract mates and defend their territory. They are often seen perched on low bushes, singing loudly. These birds are not shy and can be spotted in gardens, parks, and along roadsides.
Habitat
Song Sparrows live in many different places, from gardens and marshes to forests and meadows. They like areas with thick bushes or tall grasses where they can hide and build their nests. You can often see them in backyards or near water, where they sing and search for food.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.5 to 6.5 inches in length |
| Color | Brown streaked with grayish underparts |
| Bill | Short and conical |
| Song | Series of musical, clear notes |
5. House Wren
- Scientific Name: Troglodytes aedon
- Size: 11-13 cm (4.3-5.1 inches)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, and small fruits
- Weight: 10-12 grams (0.35-0.42 ounces)
Appearance
The House Wren is a small, energetic bird with brown feathers and a short, slightly curved tail. Its back is a soft, warm brown, while its belly is lighter. Both males and females look similar, with thin, straight beaks perfect for catching insects.
Migration Habits
House Wrens migrate to warmer areas in winter. They breed in North America during the spring and summer, then move to southern parts of the U.S., Mexico, and Central America for the colder months. They return north in the spring to raise their young.
Nesting
House Wrens are known for using many different places to build their nests, including birdhouses, tree holes, or even old cans. They make their nests with sticks and line them with softer materials. The female lays about 5-8 tiny eggs, and both parents help care for the chicks.
Feeding Behavior
House Wrens mainly eat insects like spiders, beetles, and caterpillars. They are active foragers, hopping around bushes and trees to find food. Occasionally, they may eat small fruits or seeds, but their diet is mostly made up of bugs.
Behavior and Personality
House Wrens are curious and bold, often exploring different places to find food or nesting spots. They are also excellent singers, filling the air with their bubbly, cheerful songs. Even though they are small, they are known for being very protective of their nests, sometimes chasing away bigger birds.
Habitat
House Wrens like living in open woodlands, gardens, and backyards. They prefer areas with lots of shrubs, trees, or buildings where they can find insects and build their nests. You can often see them darting through gardens or sitting on fence posts, singing their lively songs.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.3 to 5.1 inches in length |
| Color | Brown with a slightly paler belly |
| Bill | Short and pointed |
| Song | Rapid, high-pitched series of notes |
6. Mourning Dove
- Scientific Name: Zenaida macroura
- Size: 23-34 cm (9-13 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, grains, and occasionally insects
- Weight: 112-170 grams (4-6 ounces)
Appearance
The Mourning Dove is a slim, graceful bird with soft gray-brown feathers and a pale underbelly. It has black spots on its wings and a long, pointed tail. Its eyes are dark with a thin, blue ring around them. Both males and females look very similar.
Migration Habits
Mourning Doves migrate to warmer places during the winter, though some stay in the same area year-round if the weather isn’t too cold. They move to the southern U.S. and Mexico when it gets chilly and return to the northern U.S. and Canada in spring to breed.
Nesting
Mourning Doves build simple nests, often in trees, bushes, or even on ledges. They use twigs and grass to make a flat, loose nest. The female usually lays two small, white eggs, and both parents take turns sitting on the eggs to keep them warm.
Feeding Behavior
Mourning Doves mostly eat seeds, which they find on the ground. They are often seen pecking at the ground for food in open areas like fields or backyards. Sometimes, they visit bird feeders to eat seeds. They also drink water by sucking it up, unlike most birds that sip and tilt their heads back.
Behavior and Personality
Mourning Doves are calm and peaceful birds. Their soft cooing calls sound like they are mourning, which is how they got their name. They fly quickly, with fast wingbeats and sometimes make a whistling noise when they take off. Even though they are gentle, they are strong fliers and can travel long distances during migration.
Habitat
Mourning Doves live in many places, from cities and farms to woodlands and deserts. They like open areas where they can find seeds, but they also need trees or shrubs for nesting. You can often see them in parks, gardens, or sitting on power lines, cooing softly.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 9 to 13 inches in length |
| Color | Grayish-brown with a slightly pinkish tint |
| Bill | Small and slender |
| Song | Soft, repetitive “coo-coo-coo” |
7. Northern Flicker
- Scientific Name: Colaptes auratus
- Size: 28-31 cm (11-12 inches)
- Diet: Ants, insects, fruits, and seeds
- Weight: 110-160 grams (3.9-5.6 ounces)
Appearance
The Northern Flicker is a large woodpecker with brownish feathers, covered in black spots, bars, and streaks. Its most striking feature is the bright white patch on its lower back, visible during flight. Males have a red or black mustache mark on their face, depending on the region. Both males and females have a black crescent shape on their chest and a colorful, long bill.
Migration Habits
Northern Flickers migrate to warmer areas in winter, especially those living in northern regions. They travel to the southern U.S. and Mexico, returning north in the spring. However, some flickers stay in the same place year-round if the weather is mild and food is available.
Nesting
Northern Flickers dig their nests in tree trunks or wooden posts. They use their strong beaks to create a cavity where the female lays about 5-8 white eggs. Both parents take turns caring for the eggs and feeding the chicks once they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Northern Flickers mostly eat ants and beetles, digging in the ground with their long beaks. Unlike other woodpeckers, they spend a lot of time on the ground searching for food. They also eat fruits, seeds, and sometimes visit bird feeders, but ants are their favorite food.
Behavior and Personality
Northern Flickers are lively birds, often seen hopping on the ground or clinging to tree trunks. They have a loud, distinctive call that sounds like “wick-a-wick-a-wick.” While they are woodpeckers, they behave differently, spending more time on the ground. They are social and sometimes gather in small groups.
Habitat
Northern Flickers live in forests, woodlands, parks, and even backyards. They like areas with lots of trees but also need open spaces for foraging. You might see them in fields, near wooded areas, or sitting on tree branches, searching for ants and insects to eat.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 12 to 14 inches in length |
| Color | Brown with black spots on the belly |
| Bill | Long and pointed for drilling |
| Song | Series of loud “wick-a-wick-a-wick” calls |
8. Carolina Wren
- Scientific Name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Size: 12.5-14 cm (4.9-5.5 inches)
- Diet: Insects, spiders, seeds, and small fruits
- Weight: 18-23 grams (0.63-0.81 ounces)
Appearance
The Carolina Wren is a small, round bird with warm, reddish-brown feathers on its back and lighter, buff-colored feathers on its belly. It has a distinct white stripe above its eye and a long, upward-curved tail that often flicks. Both males and females look alike, with a slightly curved bill.
Migration Habits
Carolina Wrens do not migrate and typically stay in the same area all year round. They are found in the southeastern U.S., where the climate stays mild enough for them to find food even in winter.
Nesting
Carolina Wrens build their nests in all sorts of places, from tree holes and dense bushes to hanging baskets and even mailboxes. They use twigs, leaves, and soft materials like feathers to line the nest. The female lays about 4-6 small eggs, and both parents help care for the chicks.
Feeding Behavior
Carolina Wrens eat insects like beetles, spiders, and caterpillars. They also eat seeds and berries, especially in winter when insects are harder to find. They forage by hopping around in bushes and trees, constantly searching for food under leaves and bark.
Behavior and Personality
Carolina Wrens are active, bold birds with a loud, ringing song that sounds like “teakettle-teakettle-teakettle.” They are curious and often explore their surroundings, not afraid to come near homes or people. These wrens are also very territorial, often chasing away other birds from their nesting area.
Habitat
Carolina Wrens live in a variety of habitats, including forests, gardens, and backyards. They prefer places with dense shrubs or tangled vines where they can hide and forage. You can often spot them in wooded areas, near homes, or in overgrown gardens where they sing and search for food.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 4.7 to 5.9 inches in length |
| Color | Reddish-brown with a white eyebrow stripe |
| Bill | Long and curved |
| Song | A series of sharp, high-pitched notes |
9. Eastern Phoebe
- Scientific Name: Sayornis phoebe
- Size: 14-17 cm (5.5-6.7 inches)
- Diet: Insects, small fruits, and berries
- Weight: 16-21 grams (0.56-0.74 ounces)
Appearance
The Eastern Phoebe is a small, flycatcher bird with a simple, muted look. Its feathers are mostly gray-brown on top with a lighter, pale belly. It has a slightly darker head and a small, sharp beak. The tail often bobs up and down, which is a common behavior of this bird.
Migration Habits
Eastern Phoebes migrate south for the winter, traveling from the northern U.S. and Canada to the southern U.S. and Mexico. They return to their breeding grounds in early spring, often one of the first migratory birds to arrive.
Nesting
Eastern Phoebes build their nests in sheltered spots like under bridges, eaves of buildings, or in caves. They use mud, moss, and grass to create a cup-shaped nest. The female lays about 4-5 white eggs, and both parents work together to raise the chicks.
Feeding Behavior
Eastern Phoebes catch insects in midair, flying out from a perch to snatch their food. They eat flies, beetles, and other small insects. During colder months, they also eat berries and small fruits. Their fly-catching behavior is common around open spaces or near water.
Behavior and Personality
Eastern Phoebes are calm and quiet birds. They often return to the same nesting spots year after year and are known for their gentle, raspy call that sounds like “fee-bee.” They sit on low perches, waiting to catch insects, and are often seen in pairs during the breeding season.
Habitat
Eastern Phoebes prefer open woodlands, fields, and areas near water. They are often found around human structures like barns, bridges, and houses, where they build their nests. You can spot them sitting on fence posts or branches, patiently waiting to catch insects.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 to 7 inches in length |
| Color | Brownish-gray with a pale belly |
| Bill | Short and stout |
| Song | A distinctive “fee-bee” call |
10. Brown-headed Cowbird
- Scientific Name: Molothrus ater
- Size: 16-22 cm (6.3-8.7 inches)
- Diet: Seeds and insects
- Weight: 30-60 grams (1.1-2.1 ounces)
Appearance
The Brown-headed Cowbird has a small, stocky body. The male has a shiny black body with a dark brown head, while the female is a plain grayish-brown. The female’s coloring helps her blend in, especially when laying eggs in other birds’ nests.
Migration Habits
Brown-headed Cowbirds migrate to warmer regions in winter. They spend the breeding season across North America, then move to the southern U.S. and Mexico when it gets cold. They return to their breeding grounds in spring.
Nesting
Unlike most birds, Brown-headed Cowbirds don’t build their own nests. Instead, the female lays her eggs in the nests of other birds, leaving the host birds to raise her chicks. This behavior is known as “brood parasitism.” Cowbird chicks often grow faster and stronger than the host’s own young.
Feeding Behavior
Brown-headed Cowbirds primarily eat seeds and insects. They forage on the ground, often in fields or open areas, looking for seeds or bugs. They also follow grazing animals like cows and horses to catch insects stirred up by their movement.
Behavior and Personality
Brown-headed Cowbirds are social and often found in large groups. They are known for their unique nesting behavior and their habit of following cattle to find food. Males sing a bubbly, gurgling song to attract mates. Despite their unusual nesting habits, they are calm and blend into the background of open fields.
Habitat
Brown-headed Cowbirds live in open grasslands, fields, and edges of forests. They prefer areas where they can easily find food and nest near other birds. You can often spot them in farmlands, meadows, and even backyards, foraging for food with other birds.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length |
| Color | Brown head with a black body |
| Bill | Short and stout |
| Song | A series of soft “gurgling” notes |
11. Cedar Waxwing
- Scientific Name: Bombycilla cedrorum
- Size: 15-18 cm (6-7 inches)
- Diet: Berries, fruits, and insects
- Weight: 30-35 grams (1.1-1.2 ounces)
Appearance
The Cedar Waxwing is a sleek, medium-sized bird with silky, smooth plumage. Its feathers are a soft brown on the head and chest, fading to gray on the wings and tail. It has a black mask around its eyes, a crest on top of its head, and bright red wax-like tips on its wing feathers. Its tail has a distinctive yellow tip. Both males and females look similar.
Migration Habits
Cedar Waxwings are migratory birds, traveling in large flocks. They move between the northern U.S. and Canada, where they breed in the summer, and the southern U.S., Mexico, and Central America for the winter. They follow fruiting trees, so their migration patterns can vary based on food availability.
Nesting
Cedar Waxwings build their nests in trees, using grass, twigs, and other plant materials to create a cup-shaped nest. They often choose areas near water or fruiting trees. The female lays about 4-5 pale blue eggs, and both parents take turns feeding the chicks after they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Cedar Waxwings are primarily fruit eaters, especially fond of berries. They will sit in trees, plucking berries from branches or even catching them mid-air. In the summer, they also eat insects like flies and beetles. They are known for their habit of passing berries along a row of birds, sharing the food.
Behavior and Personality
Cedar Waxwings are social and often travel in flocks. They are quiet birds, with soft, high-pitched calls. Despite their calm and gentle nature, they are always on the move, searching for fruit trees. They have a graceful flight and are known for their cooperative behavior when feeding.
Habitat
Cedar Waxwings live in open woodlands, orchards, gardens, and areas near water, where fruit trees and shrubs are abundant. They are often seen in parks, backyards, or forests, especially where berry-producing plants grow. In winter, they can be found in more southern regions where fruits are still available.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.9 to 6.7 inches in length |
| Color | Brown with a yellow belly and a black mask |
| Bill | Short and pointed |
| Song | High-pitched, soft trills |
12. Eastern Towhee
- Scientific Name: Pipilo erythrophthalmus
- Size: 17-21 cm (6.7-8.3 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and fruits
- Weight: 32-52 grams (1.1-1.8 ounces)
Appearance
The Eastern Towhee is a striking, medium-sized bird with bold colors. The male has a black head, throat, and back with a reddish-brown (rufous) side and a white belly. Females have similar patterns, but their black parts are brown. Both have bright red eyes and a long, dark tail with white edges.
Migration Habits
Some Eastern Towhees migrate, while others stay in the same area year-round, depending on where they live. In the northern parts of their range, they migrate to the southern U.S. for the winter. Towhees in the southern U.S. often don’t migrate at all.
Nesting
Eastern Towhees build their nests close to or on the ground, usually hidden in thick shrubs or leaves. They use grass, twigs, and leaves to make a sturdy nest. The female lays 2-6 eggs, which are creamy white with brown spots. Both parents care for the chicks after they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Eastern Towhees are ground feeders, often scratching at leaves with both feet to uncover food. They eat seeds, berries, insects, and spiders. In summer, insects make up a larger part of their diet, while in winter, they rely more on seeds and fruits.
Behavior and Personality
Eastern Towhees are known for their loud and clear call, which sounds like “drink-your-tea!” They are active birds that spend a lot of time foraging on the ground. Males can be territorial during the breeding season, singing from high perches to defend their area. Despite their bold appearance, they often stay hidden in thick vegetation.
Habitat
Eastern Towhees prefer dense undergrowth in forests, thickets, and overgrown fields. They like places with lots of shrubs and bushes where they can hide and find food. You might see them in forest edges, brushy areas, or even your backyard if there’s plenty of cover for them to forage and nest.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 7.5 to 8.5 inches in length |
| Color | Black head with reddish-brown sides |
| Bill | Short and stout |
| Song | A distinctive “drink-your-tea” call |
13. Hermit Thrush
- Scientific Name: Catharus guttatus
- Size: 15-17 cm (5.9-6.7 inches)
- Diet: Insects, fruits, and berries
- Weight: 23-37 grams (0.8-1.3 ounces)
Appearance
The Hermit Thrush is a small to medium-sized bird with a warm brown back, spotted breast, and a white underbelly. It has a slightly reddish tail, which is a key feature, and round, dark eyes. Males and females look alike, with a gentle, soft appearance and a slender beak.
Migration Habits
Hermit Thrushes are migratory birds. They breed in the northern U.S. and Canada, then migrate to the southern U.S. and Mexico for the winter. Unlike other thrushes, they are among the first to migrate south and the last to return north in the spring.
Nesting
Hermit Thrushes build their nests on or close to the ground, often hidden in dense bushes or under fallen trees. They use grass, moss, and leaves to form a cup-shaped nest. The female lays 3-5 pale blue eggs, and both parents help care for the young after they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Hermit Thrushes eat insects, berries, and small fruits. In summer, they hunt for beetles, ants, caterpillars, and spiders on the forest floor. During fall and winter, they switch to eating berries and fruits, which are important when insects are less available.
Behavior and Personality
Hermit Thrushes are known for their beautiful, flute-like song, which echoes through forests during the breeding season. They are quiet and often solitary, staying low to the ground and blending into their surroundings. They are shy birds but can be seen hopping on the ground as they search for food.
Habitat
Hermit Thrushes live in forests, woodlands, and thick brush, particularly in areas with plenty of leaf litter where they can forage for food. They prefer cool, dense forests for breeding but are also found in open woodlands during migration. You might spot them in shady areas or near wooded trails.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 6 to 7 inches in length |
| Color | Brownish-gray with a slightly reddish belly |
| Bill | Short and slender |
| Song | Beautiful, melodious, and fluty |
14. Wood Thrush
- Scientific Name: Hylocichla mustelina
- Size: 18-21 cm (7-8.3 inches)
- Diet: Insects, fruits, and berries
- Weight: 40-50 grams (1.4-1.8 ounces)
Appearance
The Wood Thrush is a medium-sized bird with warm, cinnamon-brown feathers on its back and wings, and a white underbelly covered in bold black spots. Its large, dark eyes and slightly chunky body give it a gentle appearance. Both males and females look similar, with a long, straight beak.
Migration Habits
Wood Thrushes are migratory birds, breeding in the eastern U.S. and migrating to Central America for the winter. They travel long distances, flying to tropical forests in Mexico and beyond during the cold months, returning north in the spring to breed.
Nesting
Wood Thrushes build their nests in trees, usually not far from the ground. They use mud, grass, and twigs to form a sturdy cup-shaped nest. The female lays about 3-4 blue-green eggs, and both parents work together to feed and raise the chicks.
Feeding Behavior
Wood Thrushes eat a mix of insects and fruit. During spring and summer, they forage on the ground for beetles, caterpillars, and other insects. In fall, they add berries and fruits to their diet. They are often seen hopping around in the leaf litter of the forest floor, searching for food.
Behavior and Personality
Wood Thrushes are known for their beautiful, melodious song, which sounds like a series of rich, flute-like tones. They are shy birds that prefer to stay hidden in the dense forest, but their song can be heard from a distance. They are also territorial during the breeding season, defending their nesting area with soft calls.
Habitat
Wood Thrushes prefer mature deciduous forests with dense undergrowth, where they can find plenty of food and good nesting spots. They thrive in areas with tall trees and shady understories, often in damp forests near streams or rivers. You can find them in wooded areas, especially during the breeding season, when they are most active.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 7 to 8 inches in length |
| Color | Brownish with a white belly and dark spots |
| Bill | Short and slender |
| Song | Rich, melodious, with a flute-like quality |
15. Swamp Sparrow
- Scientific Name: Melospiza georgiana
- Size: 12-15 cm (4.7-5.9 inches)
- Diet: Seeds, insects, and aquatic plants
- Weight: 15-25 grams (0.5-0.9 ounces)
Appearance
The Swamp Sparrow is a small, sturdy bird with a mix of brown and gray feathers. It has a reddish-brown cap on its head and dark streaks on its back. Its chest and belly are lighter, usually a soft gray or buff color, and it has a short, thick beak perfect for picking seeds.
Migration Habits
Swamp Sparrows migrate between their breeding grounds in the northern U.S. and Canada and their wintering areas in the southern U.S. They prefer marshy areas and wetland habitats during migration. Some Swamp Sparrows may stay year-round in the southeastern U.S. where it’s warmer.
Nesting
Swamp Sparrows build their nests low to the ground, often hidden among tall grasses or reeds near water. They use grass, cattails, and other plant materials to make a sturdy nest. The female usually lays 3-5 speckled eggs, and both parents help feed the chicks once they hatch.
Feeding Behavior
Swamp Sparrows primarily eat seeds and insects. During the breeding season, they hunt for insects like beetles and caterpillars. In the winter, they switch to a diet of seeds and small aquatic plants. They forage by walking along the ground or in shallow water, using their beaks to find food.
Behavior and Personality
Swamp Sparrows are often shy and prefer to stay hidden in thick vegetation. They can be heard more often than seen, singing a slow, buzzy trill to attract mates and defend their territory. Despite their quiet nature, they are persistent foragers, moving slowly through marshes and wetlands in search of food.
Habitat
Swamp Sparrows live in wetlands, marshes, and swamps, especially those with tall grasses and reeds. They thrive in areas with plenty of water and dense vegetation for cover. During migration, you can find them in wet fields and along the edges of ponds or rivers. They are well-adapted to living in damp, marshy environments.
Identification Features
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Size | 5.5 to 6.3 inches in length |
| Color | Brown with a reddish-brown cap and streaked breast |
| Bill | Short and conical |
| Song | Soft, musical trill with a sharp ending |
Conclusion
Michigan’s diverse habitats offer a welcoming environment for a variety of brown-colored birds, each with its own unique behaviors and characteristics. Whether you’re in a city, forest, or near a wetland, these birds can be easily spotted and appreciated for their songs, foraging habits, and adaptability. From the common House Sparrow to the melodic Hermit Thrush, these brown birds add to the richness of Michigan’s birdlife, offering birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts an opportunity to connect with the state’s natural beauty.
FAQs
1. What are some common brown birds in Michigan?
Common brown birds in Michigan include the House Sparrow, Brown Thrasher, Song Sparrow, Eastern Towhee, Swamp Sparrow, and Hermit Thrush.
2. Where can I find brown birds in Michigan?
You can find brown birds in a variety of habitats across Michigan, including forests, wetlands, fields, gardens, and urban areas.
3. What do brown birds in Michigan eat?
Most brown birds in Michigan eat a combination of seeds, insects, and fruits, depending on the species and the season.
4. Which brown bird is known for its beautiful song?
The Hermit Thrush is known for its beautiful, flute-like song and is often found in wooded areas.
5. Are brown birds common in urban areas of Michigan?
Yes, birds like the House Sparrow are common in cities and towns throughout Michigan, where they easily adapt to human environments.
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