How Many Nocturnal Birds Are in Maryland

How Many Nocturnal Birds Are in Maryland?

How Many Nocturnal Birds Are in Maryland is home to a variety of fascinating birds, including several nocturnal species that come alive at night. These night birds include owls, nightjars, and even certain migratory species that are most active after dark. For bird enthusiasts, spotting or hearing these nocturnal birds is an exciting experience, adding a new layer to birdwatching. In this article, we’ll look at the different types of nocturnal birds found in Maryland and how many species you might encounter.

What Are Nocturnal Birds?

Nocturnal birds are species that are most active during the night. Unlike diurnal birds, which are active during the day, nocturnal birds have evolved to hunt, mate, and move about under the cover of darkness. Their keen senses of sight and hearing help them navigate and find food in low-light conditions. In Maryland, you’ll find several types of nocturnal birds, including various owl species and nightjars.

How Many Nocturnal Birds Are in Maryland?

Maryland is home to around eight main types of nocturnal bird species, with some being more common than others. The most frequently encountered nocturnal birds in Maryland are owls, but nightjars and other night-active birds are also present. Here’s a closer look at the nocturnal bird species you might see (or hear) in Maryland.

1. Owls

Owls are some of the most iconic nocturnal birds, and Maryland has several owl species that are active at night. These birds are known for their exceptional night vision and silent flight, which allow them to hunt small mammals and insects in the dark.

Eastern Screech-Owl: The Eastern Screech-Owl is one of the most common nocturnal birds in Maryland. It’s a small owl with a distinctive trilling call, making it relatively easy to identify by sound. This owl prefers wooded areas and is known for its adaptability to both rural and suburban environments.
Great Horned Owl: Known as the “tiger of the sky,” the Great Horned Owl is Maryland’s largest owl. With its deep hooting call, this powerful owl can be found in forests, open fields, and even city parks. It hunts a variety of prey, from small mammals to other birds.
Barred Owl: The Barred Owl is also a common nocturnal bird in Maryland, known for its haunting “who-cooks-for-you” call. It prefers wet, wooded areas and swamps, making it more likely to be found near rivers and marshes.
Barn Owl: Although less common, the Barn Owl is also found in Maryland. With its heart-shaped face and ghostly appearance, this owl is known for its high-pitched screeches. Barn Owls are often spotted in open fields and meadows, where they hunt for small rodents.
Northern Saw-whet Owl: This small, elusive owl is less frequently seen but does inhabit parts of Maryland. The Northern Saw-whet Owl is known for its repetitive, high-pitched “toot” sound and tends to live in dense forests.

2. Nightjars

Nightjars, also known as “goatsuckers” due to an old myth, are insect-eating birds that are active during the night. They have camouflaged plumage, which makes them difficult to spot during the day as they rest on tree branches or the ground.

Common Nighthawk: Despite its name, the Common Nighthawk is not actually a hawk. It’s known for its erratic, bat-like flight as it chases insects in the twilight and early night. While not exclusively nocturnal, Common Nighthawks are often most active at dusk and dawn in Maryland.
Eastern Whip-poor-will: This bird is known for its distinctive “whip-poor-will” call that can be heard echoing through wooded areas at night. The Eastern Whip-poor-will is primarily active at night, feeding on insects like moths and beetles. It’s often found in open woodlands and forests across Maryland.

3. Migratory Birds That Fly at Night

Some songbirds in Maryland, including certain species of thrushes and warblers, migrate at night. Although these birds are not typically nocturnal, they use the cover of darkness to travel long distances, avoiding predators and taking advantage of cooler temperatures. Night migration is common during spring and fall, when many birds fly through Maryland on their migratory routes.

Why Are These Birds Nocturnal?

Being nocturnal offers many advantages to birds, including reduced competition for food and fewer threats from daytime predators. Nocturnal birds in Maryland have adapted to hunt, navigate, and communicate in the dark, often using special adaptations like enhanced night vision, excellent hearing, and silent flight. These adaptations make them highly effective hunters and allow them to thrive in the nighttime environment.

How to Spot Nocturnal Birds in Maryland

Seeing nocturnal birds requires some patience and a bit of strategy. Here are a few tips to help you find and appreciate Maryland’s night birds:

Go Out at Dusk or Dawn: Some nocturnal birds, like owls and nightjars, are more active during the twilight hours. This can be a great time to see or hear them as they begin their nightly routines.
Listen for Calls: Many nocturnal birds are easier to identify by sound than sight. Learn the calls of common nocturnal birds like the Barred Owl and Eastern Whip-poor-will, and listen for them when you’re out in nature.
Use a Red Flashlight: If you’re searching for birds at night, a red flashlight can help you see without disturbing the birds too much. Bright lights can startle nocturnal birds, but red light is less disruptive.
Visit Forests and Wetlands: Many of Maryland’s nocturnal birds, especially owls, prefer wooded areas or wetlands. Visiting these habitats increases your chances of spotting night-active species.
Go on a Guided Night Hike: Some nature centers and parks offer guided night hikes focused on finding nocturnal birds. These hikes are led by experienced guides who know where to look and listen.

Conclusion

Maryland is home to a variety of nocturnal birds, including five owl species, two main types of nightjars, and several migratory songbirds that travel by night. While finding these birds takes some effort, it can be a rewarding experience for birdwatchers of all levels. By visiting the right habitats, learning their calls, and being patient, you can discover the unique and often mysterious world of Maryland’s nocturnal birds.

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