Maryland is located on the mid-Atlantic coast of the United States and is home to a diverse array of sea birds. The state's location provides a rich and varied environment for these birds to thrive, from the Chesapeake Bay to the Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of waterways, wetlands, and estuaries provides these birds with ample feeding and nesting grounds. From the Osprey to the Black-crowned night-heron, Maryland is home to a wide variety of sea birds that are both fascinating and unique. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just enjoy the beauty of nature, these birds are sure to captivate your imagination and leave you in awe of their beauty and grace. In this article, we'll take a closer look at some of the most common sea birds found in the state of Maryland.
Herring Gull
The Herring Gull is a common species of gull that can be found along the coast of Maryland and throughout the state. This bird is easily recognizable by its white head, dark back, and distinctive red spot on its bill. Herring Gulls are opportunistic feeders and will feed on a wide range of food items, including fish, crustaceans, and even garbage.
In Maryland, Herring Gulls breed along the state's coastline, where they form large colonies on offshore islands and rocky cliffs. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and are placed on the ground or on raised platforms. The female will lay two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Great Egret
The Great Egret, also known as the Common Egret, is a species of wading bird that is native to Maryland and can be found throughout the state in various habitats, including wetlands, marshes, and tidal creeks. This bird is easily recognizable by its long, slender neck and body, as well as its pure white feathers and yellow bill.
In Maryland, the Great Egret breeds in colonies along the state's coastline and in wetlands and marshes further inland. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and are placed in trees or shrubs near the water's edge. The female will lay two to five eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Double-Crested Cormorant
The Double-Crested Cormorant is a species of seabird that is native to the state of Maryland and can be found along the state's coastline and estuaries. This bird is easily recognizable by its black feathers and distinctive long, hooked bill, which it uses to catch fish and other aquatic prey. The Double-Crested Cormorant is also known for its ability to dive and swim underwater in pursuit of its prey.
In Maryland, the Double-Crested Cormorant breeds along the state's coastline and estuaries, often in close proximity to other seabird species such as gulls and terns. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and are placed in trees or on the ground near the water's edge. The female will lay two to six eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Black Skimmer
The Black Skimmer is a species of seabird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline and estuaries. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive long, red and black bill, which it uses to catch small fish and other aquatic prey while skimming the surface of the water. The Black Skimmer is also known for its distinctive, rhythmic flight pattern, which involves alternating glides and rapid wingbeats.
In Maryland, the Black Skimmer breeds along the state's coastline and estuaries, often in close proximity to other seabird species such as gulls and terns. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and grasses and are placed on sandy beaches or marshy areas. The female will lay two to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
American Oystercatcher
The American Oystercatcher is a species of shorebird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline and estuaries. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive black and white plumage, long, bright orange bill, and distinctive, high-pitched calls. The American Oystercatcher feeds primarily on bivalve mollusks, such as oysters, which it opens by striking them against rocks or hard surfaces.
In Maryland, the American Oystercatcher breeds along the state's coastline and estuaries, often in close proximity to other shorebird species such as sandpipers and plovers. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and grasses and are placed on sandy beaches or marshy areas. The female will lay one to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Ruddy Turnstone
The Ruddy Turnstone is a species of shorebird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline and estuaries. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive rusty-red plumage, short, stocky build, and distinctive black and white patterns on its head and neck. The Ruddy Turnstone feeds on a variety of prey, including small invertebrates, crustaceans, and mollusks, which it finds by flipping over rocks and shells on the shoreline.
In Maryland, the Ruddy Turnstone breeds along the state's coastline and estuaries, often in close proximity to other shorebird species such as sandpipers and plovers. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and grasses and are placed on sandy beaches or marshy areas. The female will lay one to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Laughing Gull
The Laughing Gull is a species of gull that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline and estuaries. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive, cackling call, which gives it its name, as well as its gray back, white head, and black wingtips. The Laughing Gull feeds on a variety of prey, including small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals, which it catches by diving into the water from the surface.
In Maryland, the Laughing Gull breeds along the state's coastline and estuaries, often in close proximity to other gull species. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and grasses and are placed on sandy beaches or marshy areas. The female will lay a couple of eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
The Laughing Gull is an important species for the state of Maryland, as it helps to control the populations of small fish and other aquatic animals. This species is also an important indicator of the health of the state's coastal and estuarine ecosystems, as the presence of large populations of Laughing Gulls is often a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Forster's Tern
The Forster's Tern is a species of sea bird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive black cap, white plumage, and orange bill. The Forster's Tern feeds primarily on small fish, which it catches by diving into the water from the air.
In Maryland, the Forster's Tern breeds in colonies along the state's coastline, often in close proximity to other sea bird species such as terns and gulls. The nests are typically constructed of sand and are placed on sandy beaches or tidal flats. The female will lay one to two eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Royal Tern
The Royal Tern is a species of sea bird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive orange bill, black cap, and white plumage. The Royal Tern feeds primarily on small fish, which it catches by diving into the water from the air.
In Maryland, the Royal Tern breeds in colonies along the state's coastline, often in close proximity to other sea bird species such as terns and gulls. The nests are typically constructed of sand and are placed on sandy beaches or tidal flats. The female will lay one to two eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Sandwich Tern
The Sandwich Tern is a species of sea bird that is native to the state of Maryland and is commonly found along the state's coastline. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive black cap, white plumage, and long, narrow, orange bill. The Sandwich Tern feeds primarily on small fish, which it catches by diving into the water from the air.
In Maryland, the Sandwich Tern breeds in colonies along the state's coastline, often in close proximity to other sea bird species such as terns and gulls. The nests are typically constructed of sand and are placed on sandy beaches or tidal flats. The female will lay one to two eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Black-Crowned Night-Heron
The Black-Crowned Night-Heron is a species of bird native to the state of Maryland and is a common sight along the state's waterways, wetlands, and estuaries. This species is named for its distinctive black plumage on the crown of its head and neck, as well as its distinctive nocturnal habits. The Black-Crowned Night-Heron feeds primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and amphibians, and it is an opportunistic hunter that feeds both during the day and at night.
In Maryland, the Black-Crowned Night-Heron breeds in colonies, often in close proximity to other wading birds such as egrets and herons. The nests are constructed of sticks and are often placed in trees or shrubs near water. The female will lay 2 to 7 eggs, and both parents will help to incubate them. After the eggs hatch, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
The Black-Crowned Night-Heron is an important species for the state of Maryland, as it helps to control the populations of small fish and other aquatic animals, thus helping to maintain a healthy balance in the state's waterways and estuaries. This species is also an important indicator of the health of the state's wetlands and estuaries, as the presence of large populations of Black-Crowned Night-Herons is often a sign of a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a magnificent bird of prey that is native to Maryland and can be found throughout the state. This bird is easily recognizable by its striking white head and tail feathers, as well as its large size and powerful build. Bald Eagles feed primarily on fish, but will also feed on birds, small mammals, and carrion.
In Maryland, Bald Eagles breed along the state's waterways, including rivers, lakes, and tidal creeks. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and are placed in large trees near the water's edge. The female will lay one to three eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
Osprey
The Osprey, also known as the fish hawk, is a large bird of prey that is native to Maryland and can be found throughout the state. This bird is easily recognizable by its distinctive appearance, with a white head, brown back, and distinctive hooked bill. Ospreys feed almost exclusively on fish, which they hunt by diving into the water and snatching their prey with their sharp talons.
In Maryland, Ospreys breed along the state's waterways, including rivers, lakes, and tidal creeks. The nests are typically constructed of sticks and are placed on platforms or in trees near the water's edge. The female will lay one to four eggs, which are incubated by both parents. After hatching, both parents will help to feed the young until they are old enough to leave the nest and hunt for food on their own.
In recent years, the Osprey population in Maryland has remained stable, and the species continues to be a common sight along the state's waterways. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just someone who enjoys the beauty of nature, the Osprey is sure to impress with its powerful hunting skills and striking appearance. So, next time you're near a body of water in Maryland, be sure to keep an eye out for this impressive bird of prey.
In conclusion, Maryland is home to a rich and diverse community of sea birds, each of which plays an important role in the state's ecosystem. From the majestic Bald Eagle and Osprey, to the graceful Great Egret and American Oystercatcher, these birds are an essential part of the state's natural heritage. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or just someone who appreciates the beauty of nature, the sea birds of Maryland are sure to inspire and delight.
In recent years, many organizations have worked hard to conserve and protect these important species, and the result is a thriving and healthy population of sea birds that can be enjoyed by residents and visitors alike. Whether you're exploring the state's waterways or simply taking a walk along the beach, be sure to keep an eye out for these magnificent birds and appreciate the role they play in the delicate balance of nature.
So, the next time you find yourself in Maryland, be sure to take a moment to appreciate the rich and diverse community of sea birds that call this state home. Whether you're a seasoned birdwatcher or simply someone who loves the beauty of nature, these birds are sure to inspire and amaze.