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22 Brown Birds That Are Found In Mississippi

Mississippi is home to a diverse range of bird species, including brown birds that are fascinating to observe. These birds can be found all over the state, from urban areas to forests, marshes, and grasslands.

Although brown birds may initially seem unremarkable, they play an essential role in the ecosystem, contributing to pollination, seed dispersal, and pest control.

In this article, we’ll highlight some of the most common brown birds in Mississippi, their physical characteristics, behaviors, and habitats.

Whether you are a seasoned bird watcher or a curious nature enthusiast, this list will help you appreciate the rich avian diversity that Mississippi has to offer.

1. Northern Cardinal

Northern cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful bird, easily identified by its bright red plumage. It can be found in the eastern United States from Maine to Minnesota and south through Mexico and Belize.

Along with its striking colouration, it has a distinctive crest on its head and sharp black facial markings around the eyes.

Despite their small size (measuring 7-9 inches) they are very vocal birds – males sing persistently throughout springtime to attract mates or proclaim their territory.

They typically feed on insects, seeds and fruits but also enjoy suet at backyard bird feeders.

The female is less brightly coloured than her mate but still stands out among other songbirds due to her warm brownish-red feathers.

Cardinals pair for life so you may often see them together in your garden or neighbourhood park.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Cardinalidae
Genus Cardinalis
Species C. cardinalis

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2. American Robin

American robin

The American robin is a migratory bird, belonging to the true thrush genus and Turdidae family.

It was named after its European counterpart due to the similar reddish-orange breast they both possess; however, they are not related closely.

This species can be seen through most of North America during winter months, as well as in parts of Mexico and Central America where it also breeds.

They have plump bodies with gray upperparts and white underparts that vary from yellow on their throats down to orange toward their bellies.

Robins feed on fruits such as berries or insects like worms which makes them an important part of ecosystems by helping disperse seeds naturally throughout these areas.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Turdidae
Genus Turdus
Species T. migratorius

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3. American Goldfinch

American Goldfinch

The American goldfinch is a small North American bird in the finch family. Males are vibrant yellow with black wings and tail, while females are duller in colouration.

It migrates from mid-Alberta to North Carolina during breeding season, south of Canada–United States border to Mexico for its wintering grounds.

The only finch which undergoes complete molt every year, it displays sexual dichromatism where males have brighter colours than their female counterparts.

They feed mainly on seeds but also eat insects such as aphids and caterpillars when raising youngs; they often occur near thistles or other plants that produce viable seed heads.

Their call consists of an array of chirps and trills making them quite conspicuous.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Spinus
Species S. tristis

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4. Brown Thrasher

Brown thrasher

The brown thrasher is a member of the Mimidae family, along with catbirds and mockingbirds. It is found throughout much of North America in the eastern and central United States as well as southern and central Canada.

The only place that it does not inhabit is west of the Rockies or in Central Texas.

This bird can be identified by its reddish-brown back feathers, white underbelly and long tail that often drags behind it when walking on the ground hunting for food like insects, fruits or berries.

Its loud song consists of over 2000 different notes.

Brown Thrashers are known to build nests close to human activity which makes them easily accessible for observation making them a popular backyard species among many birdwatchers.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Mimidae
Genus Toxostoma
Species T. rufum

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5. House Finch

House finch

The House Finch is a species of finch native to western North America and has been introduced in the eastern half of the continent as well as Hawaii.

It’s an average-sized finch with adults measuring 12.5 – 15 cm (5 – 6 inches) long and having wingspans between 20 – 25 cm (8 – 10 inches).

The upperparts are brown, while its underparts range from pale grayish white to yellow depending on subspecies.

Its face is streaked or spotted with reddish coloration; males typically have brighter plumage than females due to sexual dimorphism.

They’re mostly found near human habitations such as farms and gardens where they feed on grains, fruits, insects etc., making them very popular among birders who want something colorful for their backyard.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Haemorhous
Species H. mexicanus

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6. Mourning Dove

Mourning dove

The Mourning Dove is a breathtakingly beautiful bird. It has stunning gray and brown feathers with white tipped wings, giving it an elegant appearance. Its long tail also adds to its graceful look in flight.

A symbol of peace and serenity, they are abundant across North America and can be found in gardens or open fields throughout the year.

As well as being popular game birds for hunters, they feed on grains such as wheat and millet providing important food sources for wildlife species including foxes, coyotes, skunks and raccoons.

These doves have a distinctive cooing sound that can often be heard echoing through woodlands during summer evenings making them one of nature’s greatest treasures.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Columbiformes
Family Columbidae
Genus Zenaida
Species Z. macroura

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7. Red-Winged Blackbird

Red-winged blackbird

The red-winged blackbird is a beautiful bird found in most of North America and Central America.

Its distinct features include a glossy black body, with white shoulder patches and bright red wing coverts year round.

It prefers wetland habitats such as marshes, ponds, lakeshores and agricultural fields. During breeding season they inhabit grassy areas near water then move south for the winter months.

For food they mainly eat insects but also consume wild fruit or grains.

They are very social birds often seen in large flocks during migration times when their unmistakable “conk-la-ree” call can be heard echoing across the sky.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Icteridae
Genus Agelaius
Species A. phoeniceus

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8. Carolina Wren

Carolina wren

The Carolina wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a medium-sized bird that can be found in the eastern United States, southern Ontario and northeast Mexico.

They typically live in dense shrubbery or thickets near open areas such as gardens, parks and woodland edges.

These birds are quite adaptable when it comes to nesting sites – they will build their nests anywhere from tree cavities to manmade boxes.

Their diet consists of insects, spiders and other invertebrates which they forage for on the ground or among vegetation.

The males have an unmistakable song made up of loud whistles interspersed with trills reminiscent of laughter; you’ll often find these cheerful little birds singing away during early morning hours.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Troglodytidae
Genus Thryothorus Vieillot, 1816[2]
Species T. ludovicianus

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9. Eastern Towhee

Eastern towhee

The Eastern Towhee is a large New World sparrow, native to brushy areas of eastern North America. These birds have distinct black and white markings, with chestnut brown underparts.

They nest either low in bushes or on the ground beneath shrubs. Northern towhees are known for migrating south during the winter months.

In recent decades, taxonomy debates have left some questioning whether this bird should remain its own species or be grouped together with the Spotted Towhee as one species — Rufous-sided Towhee.

This lively songbird has a bubbly personality and can often be seen hopping around on branches looking for food such as insects, fruits and seeds.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Pipilo
Species P. erythrophthalmus

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10. Brown-Headed Cowbird

Brown-headed cowbird

The Brown-headed Cowbird is a small, obligate brood parasitic icterid native to temperate and subtropical North America. It has a brown head with glossy black plumage on the body, wings and tail feathers.

During summer months it can be found in prairies, grasslands as well as open wooded areas but during winter they migrate southwards towards the United States of Mexico for warmer climate.

They are mainly insectivorous birds which feed on insects like caterpillars or beetles but also consume some grains too.

The female bird lays its eggs in nests of other species who then incubates them until hatching time thus leaving their own chicks uncared for by themselves.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Icteridae
Genus Molothrus
Species M. ater

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11. Sanderling

Sanderling

The Sanderling is a small wading bird that can be found in the Arctic region. Its name comes from Old English, meaning “sand-ploughman”. It has grey feathers and light legs which give it its distinct white coloration.

During summer breeding months, they are known to travel great distances – some wintering as far south as South America or Southern Africa. They typically feed on crustaceans such as shrimp and mollusks along coastal shores.

The Sanderling is an important species to watch out for because of their long migratory patterns and sensitivity to environmental change; if there’s trouble with this species then other birds may also be affected.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Charadriiformes
Family Scolopacidae
Genus Calidris
Species C. alba

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12. White-Throated Sparrow

White-throated sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow is a small passerine bird of the New World sparrow family Passerellidae.

It has distinctive yellow and black stripes on its head, white throat and chest with grey back and wings, along with light brown legs.

The scientific name “Zonotrichia albicollis” comes from Ancient Greek for ‘band’ (ζώνη) referring to its distinctive striped crown, and Latin for ‘white neck’ (albus collum).

These birds are usually found in wooded areas such as coniferous forests or deciduous habitats in North America where they feed mainly on insects during summer months; transitioning to seeds during winter.

They build their nests near ground level using grasses, twigs or moss lined with feathers.

White-throated Sparrows may be solitary but also form flocks when migrating southward each fall season which typically occurs over mid-late October through November depending on location within range.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Zonotrichia
Species Z. albicollis

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13. Song Sparrow

Song sparrow

The Song Sparrow (Melospiza melodia) is a small, yet abundant bird found in North America.

They have brown upperparts with dark streaks and are white underneath, complete with a distinct dark brown spot on the breast.

Their cap is also brown and long roughed feathers can be seen sprouting from their neck area.

This sparrow species is highly variable and adaptable to many different environments including dry brush land, wetlands or open fields.

It has been noted that adult song sparrows will sing even during winter months when other birds remain quiet.

These energetic little animals make for great backyard companions as they flit about singing their lovely melodies.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Melospiza
Species M. melodia

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14. Eastern Phoebe

Eastern phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe is a small passerine bird belonging to the genus Sayornis. It gets its name from Charles Lucien Bonaparte’s Muscicapa saya, and Ancient Greek ornis meaning “bird”.

The species’ alternative name ‘Phoebe’ comes from the Roman moon-goddess Diana, but also has been said to imitate their call.

Measuring up to 16 cm in length with a wingspan of 25–30 cm, they have grayish brown upperparts and pale underparts.

They are found near streams, woodlands and open fields where they hunt for insects such as flies, bees wasps etc., often catching them midair or by sallying out from perchs like branches or fences.

These birds make shallow cup nests made of grasses lined with mud which are built on cliffs ledges walls buildings bridges trees etc..

All in all this beautiful little bird is an interesting addition wherever you find it.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Tyrannidae
Genus Sayornis
Species S. phoebe

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15. Purple Finch

Purple finch

The Purple Finch is a species of finch from North America, belonging to the Fringillidae family.

It’s also known as an “American Rosefinch” due to its resemblance in color and size to some European rosefinches.

Their plumage ranges from pinkish-purple on their heads and wings, with a light brown underside.

They are small birds that measure about 5-6 inches long with short thin beaks for eating seeds and insects.

In addition, they have thick round bodies which help them stay warm during cold winters in the northern parts of their range.

The Purple Finch has adapted well over time making it easier for them to survive even though there are increasing threats posed by humans such as deforestation or habitat destruction caused by development projects near their habitats.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Haemorhous
Species H. purpureus

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16. House Wren

House wren

The House Wren is a small bird of the wren family found from Canada to South America. It’s quite common in suburban areas and is one of the most widely distributed native birds in North and South America.

Its taxonomy can be complicated, with some subspecies groups considered separate species.

The House Wren has a brown back, grey head, white eyebrow stripes, light chestnut belly and buffy flanks.

They often inhabit old or abandoned buildings as well as shrublands near fields or open woods for nesting sites.

During breeding season they are highly territorial so make sure you create an inviting environment if you wish to invite them into your yard.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Troglodytidae
Genus Troglodytes
Species T. aedon

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17. Pine Siskin

Pine siskin

The Pine Siskin is a small bird from the finch family, primarily found in North America. It has an irregular migratory range and was first described by American ornithologist Alexander Wilson in 1810.

The species gets its name pinus, which means “pine-tree” in Latin, due to its frequent presence near coniferous trees.

Pine siskins are known for their yellow wing bars and streaked chests as well as their perky mannerisms when perched on branches or flying around looking for food during colder months.

They feed mostly on seeds of weeds, grasses and other plants but can also be seen consuming insects at times during summertime nesting season.

Its loud calls often alert nearby birds of potential danger while they nest high up among pine tree limbs where predators cannot reach them easily.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Fringillidae
Subfamily Carduelinae
Genus Spinus
Species S. pinus

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18. Savannah Sparrow

Savannah sparrow

The Savannah Sparrow is a small, New World sparrow. It’s the only bird in its genus, Passerculus and can be distinguished from other similar species by comparing mtDNA NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 and 3 sequences.

Its closest relative is the Ipswich sparrow which was once considered an independent species but now it’s seen as being part of the same family as this bird.

The male has yellowish-brown upper parts with darker streaks, white underparts with dark streaking on breast and flanks, orange wash to face sides plus two bold wingbars.

Females are slightly duller than males with less distinct markings on wings yet still showing some degree of variation between individuals across their range.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Passerculus
Species P. sandwichensis

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19. Swamp Sparrow

Swamp sparrow

The Swamp Sparrow is a medium-sized bird found in the New World, closely related to the Song Sparrow.

It has rusty and buff streaked upperparts with an unstreaked gray breast, light belly, white throat and striking rusty wings.

The male’s head features a rust-coloured cap while both genders have grey faces with dark lines through their eyes.

Their bills are short and conical in shape which helps them feed on seeds as well as grains easily from ground or low vegetation.

They usually appear solitary but can also be seen foraging together near waterbodies such as swamps or marshes during migration season.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Passerellidae
Genus Melospiza
Species M. georgiana

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20. Marsh Wren

Marsh wren

The Marsh Wren is a small bird native to North America, belonging to the wren family. It has a long bill and can be distinguished from other species of marsh birds such as the sedge wren by its size.

The Marsh Wren was first described in 1810 by Alexander Wilson under the binomial name Certhia palustris and now belongs to genus Cistothorus.

This songbird prefers wetland habitats like marshes, swamps or wetlands with dense vegetation for sheltering and nesting activities.

They build nests on grasses near water bodies which are made out of twigs attached at one end forming an enclosed cup-like structure lined with feathers or fur making it look like a woven basket.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Troglodytidae
Genus Cistothorus
Species C. palustris

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21. Rock Wren

Rock wren

The Rock Wren is a small bird of the wren family, native to western North America, Mexico and Central America.

It features distinct grey-brown upperparts speckled with black and white spots, as well as pale grey underparts featuring a light brown rump.

This species also has an eye line that’s lightly gray in color. Additionally, it sports a long slender bill curved slightly downwards at the tip.

The wings are short but broad and rounded off with buffy or whitish colored feathers along their edges.

Its habitat includes rocky areas such as cliffsides or boulders for nesting purposes where these birds can be seen singing loud melodic songs throughout the day.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Troglodytidae
Genus Salpinctes Cabanis, 1847
Species S. obsoletus

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22. Common Yellowthroat

Common yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat is a small, New World Warbler found throughout North America. It has distinctive yellow and black plumage that earned it the nickname “Yellow Bandit” in the Midwest United States.

This species is highly adaptable and can be found inhabiting wetlands, grasslands, shrub-land habitats, as well as suburban areas.

The genus of this bird’s scientific name translates to mean ‘ground’ and ‘small bird’, which are fitting characteristics for such an elusive yet common little creature.

Its diet consists predominantly of insects but may also include other invertebrates like spiders or worms.

Overall the Common Yellowthroat makes an excellent addition to any backyard with its cheerful song.Scientific classification:

Kingdom Animalia
Phylum Chordata
Class Aves
Order Passeriformes
Family Parulidae
Genus Geothlypis
Species G. trichas

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