There are many species of medium sized grey birds found around the world. When most people think of medium sized birds, they imagine something around the size of a pigeon or dove. However, there is actually a fair bit of variation in what ornithologists consider a “medium” sized bird. In general, medium sized birds range in length from 10-20 inches (25-50 cm) and weigh between 4-16 ounces (110-450 grams). This covers a wide variety of bird species, from crows and magpies, to mockingbirds and thrashers. To narrow it down, this article will focus specifically on medium sized grey colored birds.
What Makes a Bird Grey?
The coloration of a bird’s feathers comes from pigments called melanins. Melanins range in color from reddish-brown to black. Most bird species have a mixture of melanins in their feathers, resulting in an array of brown, tan, rufous, and grey shades. True grey colored birds get their hue exclusively from melanins and lack the reddish or brownish tints that come from other pigments. The amount and distribution of melanins in the feathers determines the exact shade of grey, ranging from pale silvery-grey to charcoal grey. The grey coloration provides neutral camouflage that allows many species to blend in well among rocks and tree bark.
Why Focus on Medium Sized Birds?
Medium sized birds are quite diverse and looking specifically at grey colored species in this size range allows us to highlight some of the most common and recognizable species that people are likely to encounter. Very small grey birds like bushtits are often difficult to spot and identify. On the other hand, large grey birds like herons and egrets tend to be limited to wetland habitats. Medium sized grey birds occupy a wide range of habitats from forests to deserts to backyards and are more frequently seen by casual bird watchers.
Major Grey Bird Groups
There are five main groups of medium sized grey birds:
Pigeons and Doves
Pigeons and doves make up the family Columbidae, which includes over 300 species worldwide. They range in size from 9 to 20 inches in length. Many species are grey, including the common Rock Pigeon and Mourning Dove. Other primarily grey species are Band-tailed Pigeon, Common Ground-Dove, Inca Dove, and White-tipped Dove. They occupy a wide range of habitats from wild forests to urban areas.
Jays and Crows
The Corvidae family contains jays, crows, ravens, magpies, and nutcrackers. There are over 120 species globally, the majority of which have some grey in their plumage. Crows and ravens are all-black, but jays like the Gray Jay, Green Jay, and Dark-eyed Junco are mostly grey. The medium sized Steller’s Jay has contrasting deep blue and black markings on a pale grey background.
Thrushes
The thrush family Turdidae has around 200 species of medium sized songbirds. Many have grey or grey-brown coloration, including the widespread American Robin and Eurasian Blackbird. Other primarily grey species are the Clay-colored Thrush, Dusky Thrush, Fieldfare, Redwing, and Song Thrush. They inhabit forests and woodlands worldwide.
Mockingbirds and Thrashers
Mimidae is a family of passerine birds restricted to the Americas. They get their name from their ability to mimic the sounds of other birds. Medium sized grey or grey-brown species include the Northern Mockingbird, California Thrasher, and Curve-billed Thrasher. They have long tails and occupy open habitats like desert scrub.
Shrikes
Shrikes make up the family Laniidae, with around 30 species worldwide. They are predatory songbirds, known for impaling prey on thorns or barbed wire. Medium sized grey shrikes include the Northern Shrike and Iberian Grey Shrike. Their coloration resembles mockingbirds but with larger hooked beaks. They hunt from perches in open country.
Notable Examples of Grey Medium Sized Birds
To illustrate the diversity of species, here are some specific examples of medium sized grey birds from around the world:
Rock Pigeon
The Rock Pigeon is one of the most widespread birds globally. It is native to Europe and Asia but has been introduced widely and is now common across North America as well. Its grey coloration features two darker wing bars. It is abundant in cities and the wild and recognizable by its familiar cooing vocalizations. Length: 12-14 inches.
| Length | 12-14 inches |
| Weight | 9-13 oz |
| Color | Blue-grey with darker wing markings |
| Habitat | Cliffs, buildings, bridges |
Grey Jay
The Grey Jay is a bushy crested songbird found across boreal forests in Canada and the western United States. It has pale smoky grey plumage and a fluffy tail. It is very tame, often landing on people to pick at food scraps. It breeds very early while snow still covers the ground. Length: 11-15 inches.
| Length | 11-15 inches |
| Weight | 2-3 oz |
| Color | Pale grey with lighter underside |
| Habitat | Boreal and mountain forests |
Clay-colored Thrush
The Clay-colored Thrush breeds in forests across Canada and the eastern United States. It has brownish-grey upperparts and buff colored underparts with dark spotting. During migration, it can be found foraging in shrubby areas and woodland edges. Its song is a series of musical phrases. Length: 7-9 inches.
| Length | 7-9 inches |
| Weight | 1-2 oz |
| Color | Grey-brown upperparts, buff underparts |
| Habitat | Boreal and deciduous forests |
Eurasian Blackbird
The Eurasian Blackbird is a widespread thrush species found across Europe, northern Africa, and Asia. The males are entirely black with orange beaks and eye rings. Females are dark brown with black streaking. It is commonly seen in parks and gardens. It has a lovely, melodious song. Length: 9-11 inches.
| Length | 9-11 inches |
| Weight | 3-5 oz |
| Color | Males black, females grey-brown |
| Habitat | Forests, parks, gardens |
Northern Shrike
The Northern Shrike is a predatory songbird that hunts insects, small mammals, and birds. It is nicknamed the “butcher bird” for its habit of impaling prey on thorns. It has grey plumage on its back and wings, with variable black barring and white undersides. The hooked beak resembles a raptor’s. Length: 8-11 inches.
| Length | 8-11 inches |
| Weight | 2-3 oz |
| Color | Pale grey with black barring |
| Habitat | Open countryside, pastures, marshes |
Identifying Features of Grey Medium Sized Birds
There are certain features to look for when identifying a grey medium sized bird:
Size and Shape
A length of 7-11 inches and compact, rounded body shape are typical of many species. Longer tails and more slender bodies occur in mockingbirds, thrashers, and shrikes. Bulky, stocky builds are seen in some doves and thrushes.
Color Pattern
Shades range from dark charcoal grey to pale silvery-grey. Look for contrasting patches of black, white, or rusty colors. Some species have barred or streaked patterns. Strong facial markings like eye rings or colored bills are common.
Beaks and Feet
Thin pointed beaks indicate insectivorous diets. Short, conical beaks are found in seed and fruit eaters. Hooked raptor-like beaks occur in predatory shrikes. Most have three forward-facing toes plus a hind toe that allows for perching. Longer legs in thrushes and shrikes are adapted for ground foraging.
Behavior and Habitat
Medium grey birds frequent both open and wooded habitats. Monitor behavior like ground foraging versus tree-clinging to aid identification. Urban species like pigeons walk with a characteristic bobbing motion. Mimicry in mockingbirds and thrashers is unique.
Conclusion
In summary, there are a diverse array of medium sized grey colored birds belonging to families like pigeons, jays, thrushes, mockingbirds, and shrikes. They display variations in shade from slate grey to pale ash. Identifying features include size, shape, beaks, feet, color patterns, behavior, and habitat preferences. Familiarizing yourself with the specific species profiled here will help you recognize and appreciate the many grey feathered birds that share our world. They are beautiful examples of nature’s artistry and play important ecological roles across many different environments.
