A common moorhen walking on land.

30 Stunning Birds That Start With M: Start Exploring Now!

Welcome to our article featuring 30 Birds That Start With M! Birds have always fascinated us with their incredible beauty, unique characteristics, and diverse behaviors. In this article, we’ll explore 30 different bird species that all share the commonality of starting with the letter “M”.

From majestic raptors to charming songbirds, there’s sure to be something on this list that will capture your interest and inspire you to learn more about these amazing creatures. So, let’s begin our journey into the world of “M” birds!

Table of Contents

Birds That Start With M

Magpie

A Black-billed Magpie foraging through grass.
Photo by Zdeněk Macháček on Unsplash

The Magpie is a black and white bird with a distinctive long tail. They are found throughout much of Europe and Asia and have adapted well to human presence. They feed on insects, small animals, and carrion, as well as eggs and nestlings of other birds. Magpies are known for their intelligence and complex social behavior.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Pica pica45-60 cm150-250g52-62 cm

Mallard Duck

The Mallard is a common duck found in wetlands and ponds throughout much of North America and Eurasia. They have distinctive green heads, brown bodies, and white neck rings. Mallards feed on insects, seeds, and aquatic vegetation. They are also a popular game bird, hunted for their meat.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Anas platyrhynchos50-65 cm0.7-1.4 kg81-98 cm

Mandarin Duck

The Mandarin Duck is a beautiful bird with strikingly colorful plumage. They are native to East Asia and have been introduced to other parts of the world as an ornamental bird. Mandarin Ducks feed on seeds, fruits, and insects, and nest in tree cavities.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Aix galericulata41-49 cm0.5-0.7 kg65-75 cm

Manx Shearwater

The Manx Shearwater is a type of seabird that inhabits islands located in the North Atlantic Ocean during their breeding season. They have dark brown plumage and a distinctive long, thin bill. Manx Shearwaters feed on small fish and squid, which they catch by diving into the water from the air. They migrate long distances, traveling to the southern hemisphere during the winter.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Puffinus puffinus30-38 cm250-500 g71-83 cm

Marbled Murrelet

The Marbled Murrelet is a small seabird that breeds in the forests of the Pacific Northwest. They have dark brown and white plumage and a distinctive bill that is shorter than other seabirds. Marbled Murrelets feed on small fish and invertebrates, which they catch by diving into the water from the air.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Brachyramphus marmoratus22-28 cm140-240 g48-61 cm

Marsh Harrier

The Marsh Harrier is a medium-sized bird of prey found in wetlands throughout much of Europe and Asia. They have dark brown plumage with a distinctive white rump patch. Marsh Harriers feed on small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They have a characteristic ‘v’ shaped flight pattern and are known for their impressive courtship displays.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Circus aeruginosus41-52 cm350-500 g115-140 cm

Meadow Pipit

The Meadow Pipit is a small passerine bird found throughout Europe and Asia. It has brownish-gray plumage with streaks on the breast and a pale belly. It inhabits open grassy habitats and feeds primarily on insects and seeds. During the breeding season, it builds a nest on the ground and lays a clutch of eggs. They are often seen in flocks during migration.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Anthus pratensis14-16 cm15-22 g22-26 cm

Merlin

The Merlin is a small, fast-flying falcon found in the Northern Hemisphere. It has dark brown plumage with a pale breast and a distinctive mustache mark. It preys on small birds and mammals and is known for its swift flight and hunting prowess. It breeds in the tundra and boreal forests of North America and Eurasia.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Falco columbarius24-33 cm130-230 g50-65 cm

Mistle Thrush

The Mistle Thrush is a large thrush found in Europe and Asia. It has grayish-brown plumage with white underparts and a distinctive black-spotted breast. It feeds on a variety of insects, worms, and fruits, and is known for its loud and melodious song. It breeds in trees and shrubs and builds a cup-shaped nest from twigs, grasses, and moss.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Turdus viscivorus27-29 cm90-130 g42-47 cm

Montezuma Quail

The Montezuma Quail is a small, secretive bird found in the southwestern United States and Mexico. It has brown plumage with white spots and a distinctive curved crest on its head. It feeds on a variety of seeds and insects and prefers dry grasslands and scrub habitats. It nests on the ground and is known for its whistling call.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Cyrtonyx montezumae22-25 cm175-225 g37-40 cm

Moorhen

A moorhen with its chick in the water.
Photo by Paul Crook on Unsplash

The Moorhen is a medium-sized waterbird found in Europe, Asia, and Africa. It has blackish-brown plumage with a distinctive red and yellow beak and white under-tail feathers. It feeds on aquatic plants, invertebrates, and small fish, and can be found in a variety of freshwater habitats. It builds a floating nest from twigs and vegetation.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Gallinula chloropus30-38 cm160-250 g50-62 cm

Mountain Bluebird

The Mountain Bluebird is a diminutive thrush species that inhabits western regions of North America. It has bright blue plumage with a pale breast and a rust-colored throat. It feeds on insects and berries and prefers open habitats such as meadows and grasslands. They nest in cavities in trees and cliffs and lays a clutch of eggs.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Sialia currucoides16-20 cm27-34 g25-32 cm

Mountain Chickadee

The Mountain Chickadee is a small bird that is found in the western regions of North America. It has a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and grayish-brown wings and back. These birds prefer coniferous forests and woodlands at higher elevations. Their diet mainly consists of insects and seeds.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Poecile gambeli4.25 inches0.3-0.4 ounces6.5-7.5 inches

Mourning Dove

mourning dove perched on a rooftop.
Image by GeorgiaLens from Pixabay

The Mourning Dove is a medium-sized bird that is found throughout most of North America. It has a brownish-gray plumage with a distinctive, long, pointed tail. These birds are commonly found in open habitats, such as fields, woodlands, and urban areas. Their primary source of nutrition is typically seeds and grains.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Zenaida macroura12 inches4-6 ounces17-19 inches

Muscovy Duck

The Muscovy Duck is a large, domesticated duck that is native to Mexico, Central, and South America. They have a distinctive, warty red face, black plumage, and a white wing patch. These ducks are often kept on farms and in urban areas for their meat and eggs.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Cairina moschata26-33 inches6-15 pounds54-60 inches

Magnolia Warbler

The Magnolia Warbler is a small, brightly colored bird that is found in North America during migration. It has a black and yellow striped head, white belly, and greenish-gray back. These birds prefer to breed in the boreal forests of Canada and Alaska. Their diet mainly consists of insects.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Setophaga magnolia4-5 inches0.2-0.3 ounces7-8 inches

Magnificent Frigatebird

The Magnificent Frigatebird is a large seabird that is found in the tropical regions of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Indian Oceans. They have a distinctive, long, hooked beak, black plumage, and a red throat pouch that they inflate during mating displays. These birds are often seen soaring high above the ocean, and their diet mainly consists of fish and squid.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Fregata magnificens35-45 inches2-4.5 pounds85-100 inches

Maroon Oriole

The Maroon Oriole is a striking bird found in Southeast Asia, known for its bright orange plumage and distinctive black and white markings on its wings. They inhabit lowland rainforests and feed primarily on insects and fruits. Male Maroon Orioles also have a melodious, flute-like song. They are known for their elaborate and intricate woven nests, which hang from tree branches.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Oriolus traillii25 cm65 g36-41 cm

Masked Duck

The Masked Duck is a small, secretive duck species found in parts of Central and South America. They are known for their distinctive facial markings, with a black patch around their eyes and a white stripe behind their bill. They prefer marshy habitats and feed on aquatic plants, insects, and small fish. Despite their small size, they have a relatively long lifespan for a duck species, with some individuals living up to 12 years.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Nomonyx dominicus36-41 cm227-340 g61-68 cm

Masked Lapwing

The Masked Lapwing is a large, wading bird found in parts of Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia. They are known for their striking appearance, with a black-and-white face and distinctive yellow wattles. They prefer open habitats, such as wetlands and grasslands, and feed on insects, small crustaceans, and occasionally seeds. Masked Lapwings are also known for their loud and distinctive calls, which can often be heard in their preferred habitats.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Vanellus miles35-37 cm220-350 g75-85 cm

Masked Tityra

The Masked Tityra is a small, colorful bird found in parts of Central and South America. They are known for their distinctive white face and chest, contrasting with their black wings and tail. They inhabit forested areas and feed primarily on insects, especially beetles and caterpillars. They are also known for their vocalizations, which include a series of whistles and calls.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Tityra semifasciata18-20 cm28-34 g33-36 cm

Melodious Blackbird

The Melodious Blackbird is a medium-sized passerine bird found in parts of South America and Mexico. It has black plumage with a yellow eye-ring, bill, and legs. They are typically found in open woodland areas, and their diet consists of insects, fruits, and seeds. The male bird has a beautiful and melodious song, which it uses to attract a mate during breeding season.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Dives dives19-21 cm52-70 g36-38 cm

Mexican Jay

The Mexican Jay is a striking bird with blue-gray plumage, a black head, and white throat. It is found in oak and pine-oak woodlands in Mexico and the southwestern United States. Mexican Jays are known for their intelligence and social behavior, often foraging in groups and communicating with a variety of calls and body postures. They primarily consume a variety of food items including insects, seeds, and fruits as a part of their diet.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Aphelocoma wollweberi10-12 inches2.2-3.0 ounces13-15 inches

Mexican Violetear

The Mexican Violetear is a small hummingbird with iridescent green and violet plumage. It is found in montane forests and coffee plantations in Mexico and Central America. Mexican Violetears feed on nectar from flowers, often hovering while they feed. They consume insects and spiders as a source of protein.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Colibri thalassinus3-4 inches0.1-0.2 ounces4-5 inches

Micronesian Kingfisher

The Micronesian Kingfisher is a small, colorful bird with bright blue and orange plumage. It is found only on the island of Guam and is critically endangered due to habitat loss and predation by the invasive Brown Tree Snake. Micronesian Kingfishers feed on small vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, and insects.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Todiramphus cinnamominus6-7 inches1.5-1.8 ounces11-12 inches

Millerbird

The Millerbird is a small, plain bird with brown and gray plumage. It is found only on the remote island of Nihoa in the Hawaiian archipelago and is critically endangered due to habitat loss and predation by introduced rats. Millerbirds feed on insects, spiders, and seeds.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Acrocephalus familiaris4.7-5.1 inches0.3-0.4 ounces7-8 inches

Mississippi Kite

The Mississippi Kite is a medium-sized bird of prey with slate-gray plumage and a distinctive angled shape to its wings. It is found in the southern United States, Mexico, and Central and South America. Mississippi Kites feed primarily on insects, especially cicadas, but also eat small vertebrates such as lizards and rodents.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Ictinia mississippiensis13-15 inches7.8-13.8 ounces36-42 inches

Moluccan King Parrot

The Moluccan King Parrot, also known as the Moluccan Red Lory, is a large and colorful parrot species that is native to the Moluccan Islands of Indonesia. They have a predominantly red plumage, with green wings, a blue crown, and a yellow beak. Moluccan King Parrots are social birds that live in pairs or small groups, and they feed primarily on fruits, seeds, and nectar. Their distinctive looks and amiable personalities make them a popular choice for pets.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Alisterus amboinensis36-41 cm250-300 g55-60 cm

Mongolian Finch

The Mongolian Finch, also known as the Desert Finch, is a small bird species that is found in Central Asia. They have a brownish-gray plumage with a black beak and a distinctive black patch on their chest. Mongolian Finches are well-adapted to life in arid regions and can survive in extreme temperatures. They feed primarily on seeds and insects, and they are known for their ability to find water sources in the desert. Mongolian Finches are often kept as pets due to their hardiness and pleasant singing voices.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Bucanetes mongolicus12-14 cm13-18 g22-24 cm

Monk Parakeet

The Monk Parakeet is a small, bright green parrot with a grey breast and a long, pointed tail. They are native to South America but have established populations in other parts of the world, including the United States. They are known for their communal nesting habits, building large, communal nests made of sticks and other materials. Their diet consists of a variety of fruits, seeds, and grains.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Myiopsitta monachus29-32 cm100-140 g48-53 cm

Montane Solitaire

The Montane Solitaire is a small, thrush-like bird that is found in the high-altitude forests of the Andes in South America. They are known for their beautiful, melodious song, which can be heard throughout their habitat. They have brownish-gray plumage with a white eye ring and a distinctive orange-yellow bill. Their diet primarily consists of a variety of insects, as well as fruits and berries.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Myadestes montanus16-18 cm23-35 g28-33 cm

Montane Woodcreeper

The Montane Woodcreeper is a medium-sized bird that is found in the forests of the Andes in South America. They have brownish-gray plumage with a distinctive pale eyebrow and a long, curved bill. They are known for their ability to climb trees and search for insects and other small animals in the bark and branches. Their diet consists mainly of insects.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Lepidocolaptes lacrymiger19-21 cm21-31 g31-34 cm

Motmot

The Motmot is a colorful bird found in Central and South America. They have a distinctive racket-tipped tail and are known for their stunning plumage. They primarily feed on insects and small vertebrates. Their habitat includes forests and woodlands, as well as open areas with trees.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Momotidae12-24 inches1.8-6.3 ounces18-24 inches

Mottled Owl

The Mottled Owl is a type of medium-sized owl that inhabits regions in Central and South America. They are nocturnal and hunt primarily at night, feeding on small rodents and birds. They are known for their distinctive call, which consists of a series of low-pitched hoots. Their habitat includes forests and woodlands.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Strix virgata13-15 inches7.7-11.6 ounces32-38 inches

Moustached Antpitta

The Moustached Antpitta is a small bird found in the Andes Mountains of South America. They have a distinctive moustache-like mark on their face and are known for their melodious songs. They primarily feed on insects and other invertebrates, and their habitat includes high-altitude forests and shrublands.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Grallaria alleni5-5.5 inches0.5-0.6 ounces9-9.5 inches

Mountain Blue Flycatcher

The Mountain Blue Flycatcher is a small bird found in the mountains of Central and South America. They have a bright blue plumage and are known for their aerial acrobatics while catching insects in mid-air. Their habitat includes forests, woodlands, and scrublands.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Leptopogon montanus4.5-5.5 inches0.2-0.3 ounces7-8 inches

Mountain Quail

The Mountain Quail is a medium-sized bird found in the western United States. They have a distinctive plume-like crest on their head and are known for their distinctive call. They primarily feed on seeds and insects and their habitat includes mountainous regions with sagebrush and other scrubby vegetation.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Oreortyx pictus10-11 inches6.7-8.8 ounces14-16 inches

Mountain Thrush

The Mountain Thrush is a medium-sized thrush that is found in the high-altitude forests of South America. It has a brownish-gray plumage with a white belly and a distinctive yellow eye ring. Their diet consists mainly of insects and fruits, and they are often seen foraging on the ground. Mountain Thrushes are known for their beautiful song, which can be heard throughout the forests where they reside.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Turdus plebejus7.5-8.5 inches1.5-2 ounces12-13 inches

Moustached Warbler

The Moustached Warbler is a small bird that is found throughout much of Europe and Asia. It has a distinctive moustache-like streak of feathers on its face, which gives it its name. Its plumage is brownish-gray with a buff-colored belly. Moustached Warblers are known for their loud and melodious song, which they use to attract mates and defend their territory.

Scientific NameLengthWeightWingspan
Acrocephalus melanopogon4.7-5.5 inches0.3-0.4 ounces7.9-9.4 inches

FAQs for Birds That Start With M

What is the name of 10 birds?

Here are the names of 10 birds: Bald Eagle, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, American Crow, Canada Goose, Great Blue Heron, Mallard Duck, Peregrine Falcon, Red-tailed Hawk, and Woodpecker.

What is the name of the multi-colored bird?

There are many birds that are considered multi-colored, but one that stands out is the Rainbow Lorikeet. This parrot species is known for its bright and vibrant feathers that display all the colors of the rainbow.

What are all the birds?

There are over 10,000 species of birds in the world, each with their own unique characteristics and habitats. It would be impossible to list all the birds, but some examples include eagles, owls, hawks, sparrows, robins, and penguins.

What bird has a 4-letter name?

One bird with a four-letter name is the Lark. Larks are small to medium-sized birds known for their melodious songs and are found in many parts of the world.

What are the 10 rarest birds in the world?

The 10 rarest birds in the world, according to the International Union for Conservation of Nature, are the Madagascar pochard, Juan Fernandez firecrown, Himalayan quail, Brazilian merganser, Jerdon’s courser, Socorro dove, Madagascar serpent-eagle, Kagu, California condor, and Spoon-billed sandpiper.

What are the 10 largest flying birds in the world?

The 10 largest flying birds in the world are the Andean Condor, Wandering Albatross, Dalmatian Pelican, Great White Pelican, Mute Swan, Trumpeter Swan, Black Swan, Common Crane, Marabou Stork, and Sarus Crane.

What bird has 7 colors?

The Rainbow Lorikeet is a bird that is often described as having seven colors in its plumage. Its feathers display red, orange, yellow, green, blue, indigo, and violet hues.

What are pet birds that start with M?

Some pet birds that start with M include Macaws, Lovebirds, and Mynah birds. These birds are popular due to their intelligence, social nature, and ability to mimic human speech.

What are African birds that start with M?

Some African birds that start with M include the Marabou Stork, Mousebird, Malachite Kingfisher, Meyer’s Parrot, Martial Eagle, and Madagascar Bee-eater.

What are common birds that start with M?

Some common birds that start with M include the Mallard Duck, Mourning Dove, Mockingbird, Magpie, Marsh Wren, and American Goldfinch. These birds are often found in a variety of habitats and are familiar to many people.

What are talking birds that start with M?

Some talking birds that start with M include Macaws, Mynah birds, and Monk Parakeets. These birds are known for their ability to mimic human speech and are popular as pets due to their social and interactive nature.

What are 5-letter birds that start with M?

Some 5-letter birds that start with M include the Murre, Mynah, and Merle. These birds are found in different parts of the world and have different physical characteristics and behaviors.

What are black birds that start with M?

One black bird that starts with M is the Magpie, a bird in the crow family found in many parts of the world. Another is the Myna, a bird often kept as a pet due to its ability to mimic human speech.

What are birds that start with ma?

Some birds that start with “ma” are magpie, mallard, martin, and macaw.

What are birds names that start with m?

There are many birds that start with “m”, such as macaw, magpie, mallard, manakin, mockingbird, myna, and many more.

What are birds that start with letters mar?

Some birds that start with “mar” are marbled godwit, martin, marsh hawk, and marabou stork.

Conclusion

In conclusion, there are a variety of fascinating birds that start with the letter M. From the massive wingspan of the Marabou Stork to the striking blue and green plumage of the Macaw, each bird has its unique characteristics and features. Whether you’re a bird enthusiast or simply appreciate the beauty of nature, exploring the diverse array of birds that start with M can be a delightful experience.

Related Post: 53 Types of Birds That Start With W

Author

  • Vince S

    Meet Vince, the passionate founder of Learn Bird Watching, boasting 30 years of birding experience. With an unwavering mission to empower fellow bird enthusiasts, Vince shares invaluable wisdom and guidance. Whether you're a budding birder or a seasoned avian aficionado, his wealth of knowledge is at your service. Reach out for expert insights and support at admin@learnbirdwatching.com, and embark on a rewarding journey in the world of birds.