Birds are one of the most fascinating creatures on our planet. With over 10,000 species of birds in the world, there are many unique and interesting bird names to explore.
In this blog post, we will focus on bird names that start with the letter “M”. From magpies to mockingbirds, there are plenty of birds to discover.
So, let’s take a closer look at these magnificent creatures and learn more about their fascinating characteristics and behaviors.
Read More: Bird Name that Starts with Letter A
Magpie:
- Appearance: The magpie has black and white plumage, a long tail, and a strong beak. They have distinctive white markings on their wings and a white belly.
- Habitat: Magpies can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, farmland, parks, and gardens.
- Behavior: They are known for their intelligence and can mimic sounds and voices. They are also opportunistic feeders and will eat a range of food including insects, fruits, and small animals.
- Fun facts: Magpies have been observed to engage in funeral-like behaviors when they come across a dead magpie. They have also been known to recognize themselves in mirrors, a sign of self-awareness.
- When and where to see them: Magpies are common throughout much of Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa.
- Mating: Magpies are monogamous and will mate for life.
- Specialty: They are known for their vocalizations and their intelligence.
- Similar birds: The black-billed magpie and the yellow-billed magpie are both species of magpies found in North America.
Mallard:
- Appearance: The mallard has a brown body with a green head and yellow bill. The male has a distinctive iridescent green head and a white collar.
- Habitat: Mallards can be found in a variety of wetland habitats including ponds, rivers, and marshes.
- Behavior: They are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods including insects, seeds, and aquatic plants.
- Fun facts: The mallard is the ancestor of most domesticated duck breeds. They are also able to fly at high altitudes, reaching up to 10,000 feet.
- When and where to see them: Mallards are common throughout much of the world and can be seen in both urban and rural environments.
- Mating: Mallards are monogamous during breeding season, but will mate with multiple partners outside of breeding season.
- Specialty: They are a popular game bird and are hunted in many parts of the world.
- Migration: Mallards are migratory and will travel long distances to breed and winter in different areas.
Mandarin duck:
Appearance: The mandarin duck has a distinctive plumage with a colorful combination of orange, green, and white feathers.
Habitat: They can be found in wooded habitats near water such as rivers, ponds, and lakes.
Behavior: Mandarin ducks are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods including insects, seeds, and aquatic plants.
Fun facts: They are known for their unique courtship displays where the male will bob his head and make a range of calls to attract a mate.
When and where to see them: Mandarin ducks are native to East Asia but can be found in many parts of the world in captivity or as introduced populations.
Mating: They are monogamous during the breeding season.
Specialty: They are considered to be one of the most beautiful duck species in the world.
Similar birds: The wood duck is a similar species found in North America.
Manx Shearwater:
- Appearance: A medium-sized seabird with a dark upper body, white underbelly, and long, narrow wings.
- Habitat: Breeds on islands and rocky cliffs in the North Atlantic, migrate to the Southern Ocean during the winter.
- Behavior: Feeds on fish and squid by diving into the water from the air.
- Fun facts: They have a unique burrowing nesting habit where they dig burrows in the soil on islands to lay their eggs.
- When and where to see them: Best seen in the UK during the breeding season on islands such as Skomer and the Isles of Scilly.
- Mating: They form monogamous pairs and take turns incubating the eggs and caring for the chicks.
- Specialty: They are known for their long migrations, covering up to 14,000 miles each year.
- Similar birds: Other shearwater species such as the Sooty Shearwater and the Wedge-tailed Shearwater.
Marsh Harrier:
- Appearance: A medium-sized bird of prey with a distinctive pale head, dark wings, and a long tail.
- Habitat: Found in wetlands and marshes across Europe and Asia.
- Behavior: Flies low over the ground or water searching for prey such as small mammals, birds, and fish.
- Fun facts: They were once rare in the UK but have made a comeback due to conservation efforts.
- When and where to see them: Best seen in the UK during the breeding season in wetland areas such as the Norfolk Broads.
- Mating: They form monogamous pairs and build large nests in reedbeds.
- Specialty: They are one of the few bird species where the females are larger than the males.
- Migration: Some populations are migratory, flying to warmer regions during the winter.
Marsh Tit:
- Appearance: A small, round-headed bird with a black cap, white cheeks, and a brownish-grey body.
- Habitat: Found in woodlands and scrub across Europe and Asia.
- Behavior: Feeds on insects, seeds, and nuts, often hanging upside down from branches to do so.
- Fun facts: They have a unique “chick-a-dee” call that is often used to identify them in the wild.
- When and where to see them: Best seen in the UK in woodlands such as the New Forest and the Forest of Dean.
- Mating: They form monogamous pairs and build nests in tree cavities or nest boxes.
- Specialty: They have a remarkable memory, able to remember where they store thousands of food items throughout the year.
- Migration: Non-migratory.
Marsh Warbler:
- Appearance: A small, slim bird with a plain brownish-grey body and a slightly curved bill.
- Habitat: Breeds in wetlands and marshes across Europe and Asia.
- Behavior: Feeds on insects and spiders, often catching them in mid-air.
- Fun facts: They have a unique and complex song, capable of imitating the sounds of other birds and even mechanical sounds.
- When and where to see them: Best seen in the UK during the breeding season in wetland areas such as the Somerset Levels.
- Mating: They form monogamous pairs and build nests in reedbeds or shrubs.
- Specialty: They are known for their long-distance migrations, traveling from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa each year.
- Similar birds: Other warbler species such as the Reed Warbler and the Sedge Warbler.
Mediterranean Gull:
Appearance: The Mediterranean gull is a medium-sized gull with a white head, black hood, and a red bill. In breeding plumage, it has a dark grey back and wings, and black-tipped primary feathers. Non-breeding adults and juveniles have mottled brown and white plumage.
Habitat: Mediterranean gulls breed in colonies on coastal wetlands and islands, and winter in estuaries and coastal wetlands.
Behavior: Mediterranean gulls feed on a variety of marine and freshwater prey, including fish, crustaceans, and insects. They are social birds and can be found in large flocks.
Fun facts: The Mediterranean gull was once considered a rare vagrant in the UK, but it is now breeding regularly on the south coast. They are also known for their distinctive call, which sounds like a loud “keow”.
When and where to see them: Mediterranean gulls can be seen all year round in coastal wetlands and estuaries, particularly in southern and eastern parts of the UK. Breeding colonies can also be found on some offshore islands.
Mating: Mediterranean gulls form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, with both parents sharing the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
Specialty: The Mediterranean gull is one of the few gull species that has increased population in recent years, possibly due to the expansion of breeding colonies in the UK and Europe.
Similar birds: The Mediterranean gull is similar in appearance to other gull species, such as the black-headed gull and the common gull. However, it’s black hood and red bill make it easy to identify.
Merlin:
Appearance: The Merlin is a small, compact falcon with a brownish-grey back and wings and a rusty-colored underbelly. It has a distinctive facial pattern with a dark mustache stripe and white eyebrows.
Habitat: Merlins breed in open habitats such as moorland, heathland, and tundra. In the winter, they can be found in a variety of habitats including coastal areas and farmland.
Behavior: Merlins are fast and agile hunters, often chasing their prey (small birds and mammals) in low, fast flights. They are also known for their distinctive vocalizations, including a high-pitched “klee-klee-klee”.
Fun facts: Despite their small size, Merlins are known for their fierce temperament and have been known to attack birds much larger than themselves, such as pigeons and crows.
When and where to see them: Merlins can be seen throughout the UK during the breeding season (April-August), particularly in upland areas. In the winter, they can be found in a wider range of habitats.
Mating: Merlins form monogamous pairs during the breeding season, and both parents share the responsibilities of incubating the eggs and raising the chicks.
Specialty: The Merlin is the smallest falcon species found in the UK, and is one of the most widespread and adaptable.
Similar birds: The Merlin is similar in appearance to other small falcon species, such as the kestrel and hobby. However, its distinctive facial pattern and rusty-colored underbelly make it easy to identify.
Montagu’s Harrier:
- Appearance: Montagu’s Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey, with a length of 45-55 cm and a wingspan of 100-120 cm. Adult males have a blue-grey back, white rump, and black wingtips, while females and juveniles are brown with a streaky belly.
- Habitat: Montagu’s Harrier can be found in open areas such as grasslands, heaths, moors, and agricultural lands across Europe and Asia.
- Behavior: They are known for their low flight over fields while searching for prey such as small mammals and birds. They are also known for their acrobatic displays during courtship.
- Fun facts: Montagu’s Harrier is named after George Montagu, an 18th-century British naturalist who first described the bird. They are also known for their distinctive hunting behavior, which involves gliding low over fields and dropping suddenly onto prey.
- When and where to see them: Montagu’s Harrier can be seen in parts of Europe and Asia during their breeding season from April to August.
- Mating: Montagu’s Harrier is monogamous during the breeding season. The male performs an aerial display to attract a female, and they build their nest on the ground.
- Specialty: Montagu’s Harrier is known for their unique hunting style and acrobatic displays during courtship.
- Migration: Montagu’s Harrier is a long-distance migrant, spending their winters in sub-Saharan Africa and their breeding season in Europe and Asia.
- Similar birds: Montagu’s Harrier is similar in appearance to the Hen Harrier, but the Hen Harrier has a distinct white rump patch in flight.
Macaw:
Appearance: Macaws are colorful parrots that are known for their vibrant feathers, large beaks, and long tails. They come in a variety of colors including red, blue, green, and yellow.
Habitat: Macaws can be found in Central and South America, living in tropical rainforests and woodlands. Some species have also been introduced to other parts of the world.
Behavior: Macaws are social birds that often live in flocks. They communicate with each other through a range of vocalizations and are known for their intelligence.
Fun facts: Macaws are one of the largest species of parrots, and some can live up to 80 years in captivity. They are also known for their strong beaks, which they use to crack open nuts and seeds.
When and where to see them: Macaws can be seen in zoos and bird sanctuaries around the world. In their natural habitats, they can be spotted in the trees, flying overhead, or perched on branches.
Mating: Macaws are monogamous and mate for life. They typically lay 2-3 eggs at a time and both parents help care for the young.
Specialty: Macaws are an important part of the ecosystems in which they live, playing a role in seed dispersal and pollination.
Similar birds: Other parrot species, such as cockatoos and conures, share similar characteristics with macaws.
Marbled Murrelet:
- Appearance: The marbled murrelet is a small seabird with dark brown and white mottled plumage. It has a distinctive white patch behind its eyes and a short, pointed bill.
- Habitat: Marbled murrelets can be found in the coastal waters of the Pacific Northwest, from Alaska to California. They nest in old-growth forests near the coast.
- Behavior: Marbled murrelets are known for their unique nesting behavior. They nest in trees, laying their eggs on thick branches high above the ground.
- Fun facts: Marbled murrelets are one of the few bird species that do not build nests. Instead, they lay their eggs directly on the branches of trees.
- When and where to see them: Marbled murrelets are difficult to spot, as they spend most of their time at sea. They can sometimes be seen flying to and from their nesting sites in the early morning or late evening.
- Mating: Marbled murrelets mate for life and typically lay one egg per year. Both parents help care for the young.
- Specialty: Marbled murrelets are an endangered species, with their population declining due to habitat loss and fragmentation.
- Similar birds: Other seabirds, such as puffins and auklets, share similar habitats and behaviors with marbled murrelets.
Mockingbird:
Appearance: Mockingbirds are medium-sized birds with gray and white feathers. They have a long tail and a slender beak. Their wings have white patches, which are visible when they fly.
Habitat: Mockingbirds can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, scrublands, and urban areas. They prefer areas with open spaces, such as fields or lawns.
Behavior: Mockingbirds are known for their ability to mimic the songs of other birds. They also mimic other sounds, such as car alarms and cell phone ringtones. They are active during the day and spend a lot of time perched on branches or on the ground.
Fun facts: Mockingbirds are the state bird of five US states: Arkansas, Florida, Mississippi, Tennessee, and Texas. They are also the inspiration behind Harper Lee’s famous novel, “To Kill a Mockingbird.”
When and where to see them: Mockingbirds can be seen throughout North and South America. They are common in urban areas, so you may spot them in your backyard or local park.
Mating: Mockingbirds are monogamous and form long-term pair bonds. They build nests together and both parents take turns incubating the eggs.
Specialty: In addition to mimicking other birds’ songs, mockingbirds also sing their own unique songs. They are known for singing long and complex melodies, sometimes up to 200 different songs in one day.
Similar birds: Mockingbirds are part of the Mimidae family, which also includes thrashers and catbirds. They are often mistaken for other gray and white birds, such as thrushes and chickadees.
Feeding technique: Mockingbirds have a unique feeding technique known as “gaping.” They use their beak to pry open the bark of trees to search for insects and other small prey.
Read Also: What to feed baby Mockingbird
Conclusion
The world of bird names starting with M is filled with marvelous choices. Whether you’re seeking a majestic moniker or a playful one for your feathered companion, the options are abundant.
From melodious to magnificent, M-named birds bring a unique charm. Take your time, explore the possibilities, and choose a name that resonates with both you and your winged friend. May your bird’s name be a source of joy and connection as you embark on this delightful journey together.
I am a writer and blogger who is passionate about birds. I write to inspire and educate others about the beauty and importance of avian species in our ecosystem. I love to watch birds flying and taking their photographs to capture those memories.
