Here’s a list of 21 birds that start with the letter M. Some of these birds you might be familiar with while others might be new to you. Either way, we hope you enjoy learning about all the different bird species in the world.
Contents
1. Macaw
Macaws are a group of large parrots found in Central and South America. Macaws are known for their brightly-colored feathers, which can be red, blue, green, or yellow. Macaws are also popular pets.
2. Magellanic Penguin
The Magellanic Penguin is a species of penguin that inhabits the coasts of Chile and Argentina. This bird is an excellent swimmer, and people can see it porpoising out of the water in pursuit of fish. It feeds primarily on small squid and fish, but it will also eat krill and crustaceans.
3. Magpie
The Magpie is a black and white bird found in Europe, Asia, and parts of Africa. The bird is known for its long tail and its loud, shrill call. Researchers consider Magpies to be intelligent birds.
4. Maleo
The Maleo is an endangered species due in part to habitat loss and egg collection by humans. However, recent conservation efforts have helped to stabilize the population. Research shows that there are now around 7,000 birds remaining in the wild.
5. Mallard
The Mallard is a duck that is found in North America, Europe, Asia, and Africa. The Mallard is the most common duck in the world and is also the ancestor of most domesticated ducks. The Mallard is known for its green head and yellow bill.
6. Mandarin Duck
The Mandarin Duck is a brightly-colored duck that is found in East Asia. The Mandarin Duck is popular in Chinese culture, and it is often kept as a pet or used in traditional medicine. The Mandarin Duck is known for its red bill and orange feet.
7. Manx Shearwater
The Manx Shearwater is a type of seabird found in the North Atlantic Ocean. These birds got their name from the Isle of Man, located off the coast of England; this is where these birds were first discovered.
Manx Shearwaters are dark-colored birds with white underbellies; they are excellent swimmers and can often be seen diving into the water in search of food.
8. Marabou Stork
The Marabou Stork is a large bird found in Africa, south of the Sahara Desert. These birds are easily recognizable thanks to their long necks and legs, as well as their huge wingspans (which can reach up to 12 feet). Marabou Storks are scavengers and will often be seen following vultures around in hopes of getting a meal.
9. Meadowlark
The Meadowlark is a member of the songbird family and is found in North America, Europe, Asia, Africa, Australia, and New Zealand. The Meadowlark inhabits grasslands and feeds on insects, seeds, berries, and fruits. The Meadowlark has a beautiful song that can often be heard in the springtime.
10. Merlin
The Merlin is a small, carnivorous bird of the Falcon family. Merlins are found in open habitats across much of North America, Europe, and Asia. Though they are typically considered shy and elusive birds, they are quite adaptable and can often be found near human settlements.
11. Mew Gull
The Mew Gull is a small to medium-sized gull with a white head and underparts, grey wings, and black wingtips. It also has a light grey back and a black tail. You can find the Mew Gull near the coast, on lakes, and on rivers, where it feeds on fish, crustaceans, worms, insects, and rodents.
Some parts of the world consider the Mew Gull a nuisance species due to its aggressive behavior towards other birds and its loud calls.
12. Meyer’s Parrot
The Meyer’s Parrot, scientifically known as Poicephalus Meyeri, is a parrot native to sub-Saharan Africa. It is a small- to medium-sized parrot with a length of about eight to ten inches and a weight of around three ounces. The Meyer’s Parrot is mostly green, with a yellow breast and belly and a blue rump.
13. Micronesian Kingfisher
The Micronesian Kingfisher is a brightly colored bird found on the islands of Micronesia. The Kingfisher has a long, curved bill that it uses to catch fish. The bird’s plumage is blue and green, and the Kingfisher has a long tail.
14. Mockingbird
The Mockingbird is a medium-sized bird in North America. The Mockingbird is known for its ability to mimic the sounds of other birds and other animals. The Mockingbird is also known for being an excellent singer, and movies and TV shows often use its song.
15. Monk Parakeet
Also known as the Quaker Parrot, the Monk Parakeet is a small, stocky parrot with a long tail and playful disposition. Native to South America, these social birds are often seen in pairs or flocks, poking around for food or chasing one another through the trees.
16. Motmot
The Motmot bird is a brightly colored tropical bird found in Central and South America. The Motmot bird has a long tail to balance itself while perching on branches. The Motmot bird also has a distinctive call that sounds like “keee-ow.”
17. Mourning Dove
The Mourning Dove is a type of pigeon found in North America. These birds got their name from their mournful “cooing” call, which sounds like they are saying “I’m sorry, I’m sorry” repeatedly. The body of the bird is pale gray with darker gray on the wings and tail. The head of the bird is black with a white collar.
18. Murre
The Murre (or Common Murre) is a medium-sized bird found in the Northern Hemisphere. The Murre breeding colonies typically reside on cliffs near the ocean, where they can access the open water to feed on fish. The Murre does not fly well, but it can swim powerfully and dive to depths of over 100 meters.
19. Mute Swan
The Mute Swan is a large white bird found in Europe and Asia. The Mute Swan is the official bird of the United Kingdom, and it has been introduced to many other countries worldwide. The Mute Swan is known for its long neck and graceful movements.
20. Mynah
The Mynah Bird is a member of the starling family. Originating in Asia, these birds are now found in many parts of the world, including Australia, Africa, and Europe. Mynahs are easily recognized by their bright plumage and distinctive calls. They are also known for their ability to mimic the sounds of other animals, including humans.
21. Myrtle Warbler
The Myrtle Warbler is a small songbird that is found in North America, east of the Rocky Mountains. These birds got their name from the fact that they often build their nests near myrtle trees; Myrtle Warblers are also sometimes called “Myrtle Yellow Rumps” due to the yellow patches on their backsides.
Wrapping Up
So, there you have it, a comprehensive list of birds that start with M. This was by no means an exhaustive list, but we hope it gave you a good starting point in your bird-watching endeavors.
Learning about different types of birds can be a fun and rewarding experience for people of all ages. So get out there, enjoy the fresh air, and see what kinds of feathered friends you can find.