When people think of birdwatching in Florida, they often picture flashy species—bright pink spoonbills, neon-green parrots, or bold white herons. But there’s another group that deserves attention: the brown birds. They might not grab your eye right away, but they’re just as important, interesting, and surprisingly diverse. From the coastal Brown Pelican to the tiny Brown-headed Nuthatch in pine forests, these birds live in almost every corner of the state. Some are year-round residents, while others pass through during the cooler months.
A few are secretive and hard to spot, while others sing loudly from backyard fences. Learning to identify them can be a little tricky at first—many have subtle patterns and similar shades—but with some time and patience, their unique personalities begin to stand out. This article introduces some of Florida’s most common brown birds, showing where to find them, what they look like, and what makes each one worth knowing.
Whether you’re a beginner birder, someone who enjoys nature walks, or just curious about the birds outside your window, these quieter species have a lot to offer. After all, not everything in Florida needs to be flashy to be beautiful.
1. Brown Pelican
- Scientific name: Pelecanus occidentalis
- Life span: Up to 25 years
- Size: 40-53 inches
- Weight: 4-8 pounds (1.8-3.6 kg)
- Wingspan: 6.0-7.4 feet (1.8-2.3 m)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Stays year-round; does not leave Florida.
The Brown Pelican is a familiar sight along Florida’s coastline, often seen gliding just above the waves or diving headfirst into the water to catch fish. Its range covers the Atlantic, Gulf, and Pacific coasts of the Americas, from the southeastern United States down to northern South America. In Florida, it is present year-round, particularly around estuaries, beaches, and harbours. This pelican is mostly brown-gray with a pale head and large bill with an unmistakable throat pouch.
During the breeding season, adults develop a brighter yellow wash on the head and a reddish hue on the neck. Their heavy, angular flight and tendency to fly in lines or V-formations make them easy to identify at a distance. Despite their somewhat prehistoric look, Brown Pelicans are elegant fliers and often rest in groups on docks or sandbars. They are coastal specialists, rarely venturing far inland.
Brown Pelicans nest in colonies, usually on isolated mangrove islands or remote sandbars along the coast. They build large nests from sticks and debris, placed low in shrubs or on the ground. Both parents care for the young and feed them regurgitated fish.
Their diet is made almost entirely of fish, caught with dramatic dives from the air into the water. They often feed in shallow coastal zones and work in small groups, sometimes following fishing boats for scraps or easy catches.
Once severely impacted by DDT, Brown Pelican populations declined sharply during the mid-20th century. After the pesticide was banned and conservation protections put in place, they made a strong recovery. They were removed from the U.S. endangered species list in 2009 and remain stable.
2. Carolina Wren
- Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
- Life span: 6-7 years
- Size: 4.7-5.9 inches / 12-15 cm
- Weight: 0.6-0.8 ounces / 18-22 grams
- Wingspan: 11 inches / 28 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Permanent resident; remains all year.
The Carolina Wren is a compact, energetic bird found across the southeastern United States, including throughout Florida where it is a year-round resident. Its range stretches from eastern Texas and Oklahoma to the Atlantic Coast and up into parts of the Midwest. This wren is rich reddish-brown on the upperparts, with a warm buffy underside. A bold white stripe above the eye gives it a distinctive, expressive face.
Though small, it has a big presence due to its loud, whistled songs that often echo through gardens, woodlots, and even urban backyards. Carolina Wrens frequently flick their tails upward and move quickly through low vegetation, making them fun to watch. Their tendency to explore nooks, crannies, and even garages adds to their reputation as curious and adaptable birds. While they are not always easy to spot, their voice usually gives them away long before they’re seen.
Carolina Wrens nest in cavities, crevices, or even flowerpots and mailboxes. They don’t need much space, and both male and female work together to build a bulky nest made of leaves, twigs, and moss. The pair often raises multiple broods each year.
They primarily eat insects and spiders, often hopping and probing through brush and leaf litter. In colder months or in backyards, they also visit feeders for suet and sunflower seeds. Their diet shifts slightly with the seasons but remains insect-focused
Carolina Wrens have expanded their range northward over the last century, partly due to milder winters and the availability of backyard feeders. Their populations are stable and even increasing. They’re not under threat but do decline during harsh winter years up north.
3. Savannah Sparrow
- Scientific name: Passerculus sandwichensis
- Life span: 3-7 years
- Size: 5.5-6.7 in / 14-17 cm
- Weight: 0.5-0.9 oz / 14-26 g
- Wingspan: 7.9-9.4 in / 20-24 cm
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and common
- Migratory behaviour: Winter visitor; departs by April.
The Savannah Sparrow is a migratory bird that winters in Florida and other parts of the southeastern United States. Its breeding range stretches across much of Canada and the northern U.S., but by late fall, these sparrows arrive in Florida’s grasslands, fields, and marsh edges. Their appearance is understated but distinctive: brown streaked upperparts, white underparts with fine streaks, and often a hint of yellow above the eye.
Though small, their flat-headed profile and short, notched tail set them apart from other sparrows. Savannah Sparrows prefer open ground and low cover, where they can be seen foraging or briefly flushing before diving back into grass. They are most active in the winter months and leave by April. While not flashy, their subtle patterning and clean, neat shape reward careful observation. They are especially common in preserved grasslands, pastures, and coastal edges across the state.
Savannah Sparrows nest on the ground in grassy fields, often beneath a clump of vegetation or inside a shallow depression. Their nests are modest—made of grass, roots, and fur—and well camouflaged. Only the female incubates, while the male remains nearby.
They eat insects during the breeding season and shift to seeds in winter. Grasshoppers, beetles, and spiders are common food items. In Florida, where they winter, they forage on open ground or among low vegetation, often walking rather than hopping
While still considered common, Savannah Sparrows face pressure from habitat loss, especially the draining of wetlands and conversion of natural grasslands. Maintaining wintering grounds and open fields is vital. Conservation efforts are often indirect, tied to broader grassland preservation and management.
4. American Bittern
- Scientific name: Botaurus lentiginosus
- Life span: 6 years
- Size: 58-81 cm (23-32 in)
- Weight: 0.4-1 kg (0.9-2.2 lbs)
- Wingspan: 91-104 cm (36-41 in)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Migratory and rare
- Migratory behaviour: Winters in Florida; leaves by early spring.
The American Bittern is a secretive marsh bird found primarily in North America. It breeds in freshwater wetlands across Canada and the northern United States, and winters in the southeastern U.S., including Florida. Here, it is most often seen from late fall through early spring in shallow freshwater marshes, wet prairies, and densely vegetated pond margins. This bird has rich, streaky brown plumage with buff and dark vertical lines down its chest and neck—perfect for blending into tall reeds.
Its cryptic coloration and its habit of standing motionless with its bill pointed skyward make it notoriously hard to spot. Bitterns are usually solitary and will often freeze when disturbed, relying on camouflage rather than flight. Despite their shy behaviour, they can be found in well-protected wetlands throughout Florida, especially in quieter conservation areas. Spotting one is a rewarding experience for any patient birdwatcher.
American Bitterns nest in dense marsh vegetation, often hidden in tall reeds or sedges near shallow water. The female builds the nest, usually a woven platform above water. She alone incubates the eggs and tends the chicks in quiet isolation.
They primarily eat small fish, frogs, insects, and crustaceans. Bitterns hunt by standing still or slowly stalking through wetland vegetation, striking quickly with their dagger-like bill. Their cryptic plumage and stealthy movements help them avoid detection while foraging.
Wetland loss has significantly reduced American Bittern numbers over the past century. They are considered a species of concern in many states, including Florida. Conservation efforts target wetland restoration and the protection of large, undisturbed marsh habitats essential for breeding and wintering.
5. Red-Shouldered Hawk
- Scientific name: Buteo lineatus
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 18-20 inches (45-50 cm)
- Weight: 12-26 ounces (350-740 g)
- Wingspan: 40-48 inches (100-122 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Resident; does not migrate from Florida.
The Red-shouldered Hawk is a widespread raptor of the eastern United States and parts of California, found year-round throughout Florida. Its preferred habitats include wooded swamps, river edges, and suburban forests where tall trees provide perching spots. Adults are boldly marked, with reddish-brown shoulders, pale underparts barred with orange, and a checkered black-and-white pattern on the wings. The tail is dark with narrow white bands, and when in flight, the reddish upper wing coverts become more visible, giving the bird its name.
Their call—a loud, descending scream—is often heard before the hawk is seen, especially in spring. Unlike some other raptors, Red-shouldered Hawks are relatively tolerant of humans and can be seen hunting near neighborhood or perched alongside roadways. Their consistent presence, vocal nature, and striking plumage make them one of the more recognizable hawks in Florida’s skies.
Red-shouldered Hawks nest high in mature trees, usually near water. Both parents help build the bulky stick nest and care for the young. They often reuse the same nesting area year after year if undisturbed, making them somewhat predictable.
They feed on small mammals, amphibians, reptiles, and occasionally birds. Red-shouldered Hawks hunt from perches, dropping down quickly when they spot prey. They also fly low over wetlands or forests, scanning for movement from above with sharp vision.
Habitat loss and DDT once reduced their numbers, but they’ve rebounded in much of their range. Now common in suburban areas with forest patches, they benefit from tree preservation and wetland protection. They’re still vulnerable to habitat fragmentation and vehicle collisions.
6. Brown Thrasher
- Scientific name: Toxostoma rufum
- Life span: Up to 12 years
- Size: 9.3 – 12.0 in (23.5 – 30.5 cm)
- Weight: 2.2 – 3.1 oz (61 – 89 g)
- Wingspan: 11 – 13 in (29 – 33 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Mostly resident; some migrate north in spring.
The Brown Thrasher is a native songbird of the eastern and central United States, with a breeding range that extends from Florida northward to the Great Lakes and southern Canada. In Florida, it is a common year-round resident. This bird has a warm reddish-brown back and a strongly streaked white breast, giving it a bold, textured look. Its face is marked by a slightly curved bill and a yellow eye, lending it a piercing gaze.
Often seen in brushy edges, hedgerows, and forest margins, Brown Thrashers are known for their secretive behaviour—usually scratching in leaf litter or perched low in cover. What sets them apart most is their song: a long string of varied phrases, often in pairs, mimicking other birds. Despite being somewhat elusive, they are surprisingly widespread and present in both rural and suburban landscapes, especially where there is dense shrubbery or understory cover.
Brown Thrashers nest in dense shrubs or small trees, typically two to six feet off the ground. They build a sturdy, well-hidden cup-shaped nest from twigs, leaves, and rootlets. Both parents help raise the chicks and fiercely defend the nest.
They feed mostly on insects, earthworms, and other invertebrates they uncover by rummaging through leaf litter. In fall and winter, they add berries and seeds to their diet. Their long, curved bill helps them dig and flip through ground cover efficiently.
Once affected by habitat loss and suburban expansion, Brown Thrasher populations have declined in some areas. However, they remain widespread and common in much of their range. Conservation mostly relies on maintaining shrubby habitats and edge zones rather than specific targeted efforts.
7. Brown-headed Nuthatch
- Scientific name: Sitta pusilla
- Life span: Up to 9 years
- Size: 3.5 – 4.3 in (9 – 11 cm)
- Weight: 0.35 – 0.42 oz (10 – 12 g)
- Wingspan: 6.3 – 7.1 in (16 – 18 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Year-round resident in pine forests.
Found almost exclusively in the pine forests of the southeastern United States, the Brown-headed Nuthatch is a small, charming bird with a strong association to longleaf and loblolly pines. Its range stretches from eastern Texas through the Carolinas and into northern Florida, where it is a year-round resident in mature pine ecosystems. This species has a pale gray body, a buff-white underside, and a distinctive pale brown crown that contrasts gently with the rest of its plumage.
Its short tail, stubby bill, and overall plump appearance give it a toy-like look. Brown-headed Nuthatches are often found in small, chattering groups, moving quickly along trunks and branches in search of crevices. Their high-pitched squeaky call, often compared to a rubber duck, helps birders locate them even when they’re out of sight. Unlike many songbirds, they remain faithful to pine forests year-round, rarely venturing far from this habitat.
Brown-headed Nuthatches use tree cavities for nesting, often old woodpecker holes in pine trees. They may also excavate soft wood themselves. These sociable birds sometimes form cooperative groups, with a helper—often a grown offspring—assisting the breeding pair in feeding the chicks.
Their diet revolves around insects and pine seeds. They’re skilled foragers, climbing down tree trunks and probing bark for insects. In winter, seeds and spiders make up more of their intake. Occasionally, they cache food in bark crevices for later use
Their numbers have declined due to logging and the loss of mature pine forests. Conservation efforts focus on protecting longleaf pine ecosystems, prescribed burns, and nest box programs. They’re considered a priority species for southeastern forest conservation and restoration efforts.
8. Brown-headed Cowbird
- Scientific name: Molothrus ater
- Life span: Up to 16 years
- Size: 6.3 – 8.7 in (16 – 22 cm)
- Weight: 1.1 – 2.1 oz (30 – 60 g)
- Wingspan: 14 in (36 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Leaves by late summer; migrates short distances.
The Brown-headed Cowbird is widespread across much of North America and is particularly common in open or lightly wooded areas, pastures, and suburbs. It is found year-round in the southeastern U.S., including Florida, though northern populations migrate south for winter. Males are glossy black with a rich brown head, while females, more relevant to brown bird discussions, are a plain, soft brown overall with a slightly lighter throat and belly.
Their subtle coloration allows them to blend easily into grassy fields or perch inconspicuously on fences and shrubs. Cowbirds are often spotted in small flocks, sometimes mixed with blackbirds and starlings. While not shy, they tend to keep a low profile. They are one of the most frequently observed brood parasites in North America, but their appearance remains humble. In Florida, they are especially visible in agricultural and suburban landscapes throughout the year.
Brown-headed Cowbirds don’t build nests. Instead, females lay eggs in other birds’ nests, leaving the hosts to raise their chicks. They target over 200 species, often outcompeting the host’s young. It’s a highly unusual and parasitic reproductive strategy among North American birds.
Their diet includes seeds, insects, and grains. They forage mostly on the ground in open fields or at the edges of woodlands. Cowbirds are often seen walking in flocks with blackbirds, feeding on crop leftovers or small invertebrates stirred up by cattle.
Cowbirds expanded eastward with deforestation and agriculture. While common now, their parasitism has contributed to population declines in other songbirds. Management efforts sometimes involve removing cowbird eggs from endangered species’ nests or reducing local cowbird populations near vulnerable bird habitats.
9. Eastern Meadowlark
- Scientific name: Sturnella magna
- Life span: Up to 9 years
- Size: 7.5 – 11 in (19 – 28 cm)
- Weight: 2.7 – 5.3 oz (76 – 150 g)
- Wingspan: 13.8 – 15.7 in (35 – 40 cm)
- Status: Near Threatened
- State status: Breeding and common
- Migratory behaviour: Year-round resident; local populations may shift.
The Eastern Meadowlark is a grassland bird with a broad range that covers the eastern two-thirds of the United States and parts of Central America. In Florida, it is a year-round resident, favouring open fields, pastures, and prairies. Though technically not a lark, it has the posture and shape of one, with a stocky body, short tail, and a bright yellow front marked by a bold black “V” across the chest. Its upperparts are mottled brown with streaks that help it blend into dry grass.
When flushed, it often shows white outer tail feathers and a low, fluttery flight. The Eastern Meadowlark’s flute-like song can often be heard before the bird is seen, especially in the early mornings of spring. While its coloration is partially brown, its unique combination of features makes it a familiar and welcome sight in open habitats across Florida.
Eastern Meadowlarks nest on the ground in grasslands, weaving a domed structure out of grasses with a side entrance. The female handles nest-building and incubation. Their nesting sites are often vulnerable to mowing, grazing, and heavy human activity.
They feed mostly on insects during spring and summer—beetles, crickets, caterpillars—then shift to seeds and grains in colder months. Meadowlarks forage by walking through fields, often pausing to strike at food hidden beneath vegetation.
Populations have declined steeply due to habitat fragmentation and changes in farmland use. Loss of hayfields and prairies has left them fewer safe nesting sites. Conservation groups now promote grassland restoration and delayed mowing to help this once-abundant bird recover.
10. Northern Bobwhite
- Scientific name: Colinus virginianus
- Life span: Up to 6 years
- Size: 9.5 – 11 in (24 – 28 cm)
- Weight: 4.6 – 9.0 oz (129 – 255 g)
- Wingspan: 13 – 15 in (33 – 38 cm)
- Status: Least Concern
- State status: Near Threatened
- Migratory behaviour: Non-migratory; stays in Florida year-round.
The Northern Bobwhite is a native quail of the southeastern United States, including all of Florida, where it remains a year-round resident. Its range stretches from the eastern U.S. into parts of Mexico, and it thrives in grassy fields, pine flatwoods, and shrubby thickets. Both sexes have a warm, earth-toned brown body with fine barring and scalloping that gives them excellent camouflage. Males have a white throat and eye stripe, while females show a buffy version of the same pattern.
Bobwhites are most often detected by their namesake call, a clear “bob-WHITE!” that carries across open land. Their plump bodies, short tails, and tendency to walk or run rather than fly make them distinct in behaviour. They are often seen in small coveys, especially during the cooler months. While populations have declined in parts of their range, they remain relatively widespread in Florida’s less developed landscapes.
Northern Bobwhites nest on the ground in grassy or shrubby areas, often building a hidden bowl of grass lined with finer material. The male and female share parenting duties, and both may incubate the eggs. Broods often number a dozen or more.
They eat seeds, insects, and green plant matter. Insects are especially important for chicks, while adults eat a broader mix. Bobwhites forage mostly on the ground, walking steadily and using their beaks to uncover hidden food sources among grasses.
Once widespread, Bobwhite populations have dropped due to habitat loss and fire suppression. Their dependence on early successional habitats makes them vulnerable. Conservation work includes prescribed burning, grassland restoration, and creating corridors between suitable patches to allow movement and breeding.
Where to look for Brown birds in Florida
If you’re looking to spot brown birds in Florida, you’re in luck—these birds can be found just about everywhere if you know where to look. Start with the basics: bring a pair of binoculars, a bird guide (or an app), and a little patience. Early mornings are usually best, when birds are most active. Try to stay quiet and move slowly, especially in wooded or grassy areas.
One of the easiest places to start is your own neighborhood. Carolina Wrens and Brown Thrashers are common in backyards and parks, especially where there’s some brush or shrubs. But for a richer experience, try visiting places where nature is more undisturbed.
Here are four great places to look for brown birds in Florida:
- Paynes Prairie Preserve (near Gainesville) – Grasslands, wetlands, and great for sparrows and meadowlarks.
- Merritt Island National Wildlife Refuge – Excellent coastal birding with pelicans, bitterns, and more.
- Apalachicola National Forest – Look for Brown-headed Nuthatches in the pinewoods.
- Everglades National Park – Diverse habitats with both common and rare brown birds.
Conclusion
Brown birds in Florida may not be the flashiest, but they play an important role in the state’s ecosystems—and offer plenty of rewards for anyone willing to notice them. From backyard wrens to marsh-dwelling bitterns, these species are full of personality, variety, and surprising charm.
Learning to identify them opens the door to a deeper appreciation of Florida’s wildlife and natural spaces. Whether you spot them in a city park or a remote wetland, brown birds remind us that beauty in nature isn’t always loud or colourful—it often lives quietly in the background, waiting to be seen.
