Birds Beginning with M UK

Across the UK, there are lots of different bird species, and they all play a wonderful part in nature. In our A–Z guide, we're listing all of the species in the UK, and other places too… today, we’ve reached M, and it’s a marvellous one!

From marshland dwellers to mountain lovers, there’s a wide variety of species starting with M that you might recognise.

British Bird Species

Magpie

One of the most familiar British birds, the Magpie is a striking bird with its black-and-white plumage, long tails, and flashes of iridescent green and blue. Known for its intelligence, playful nature, and ability to mimic sounds, it is a member of the crow family.

Magpies are often linked to folklore, superstition, and humans’ fascination with shiny objects. Omnivorous and opportunistic, these wild birds can be found almost anywhere across the British Isles, from woodlands to gardens.

Mallard

The Mallard is the most recognisable of our ducks in Great Britain. Males have glossy green heads, chestnut breasts, and curly tail feathers, while females are mottled brown for camouflage.

These beautiful birds are widespread across wetlands, rivers, and lakes, often catching fish in flocks during winter. Their diet consists of seeds, plants, and small insects, though they will also take food offered by humans in parks and gardens.

Mandarin Duck

An unique birds, that is an introduced breeder, the Mandarin Duck came from East Asia but now thrives in parts of southern England. Males are among the most colourful birds seen in the UK, with orange sails, purple breasts, and striking facial markings, while females are subtler.

They nest in tree holes close to water. Populations remain small, but this species is admired for its ornamental beauty.

Manx Shearwater

A remarkable migratory bird, the Manx Shearwater breeds in large colonies on offshore islands, particularly in Wales. With black upperparts and white underparts, it is adapted for life on the open ocean.

After the breeding season, it travels all the way to South America, making it one of the longest-distance migrants on the British list. By day they are at sea, by night returning to burrows to avoid predators.

Marsh Harrier

Once a scarce breeder, the Marsh Harrier has recovered thanks to conservation. This medium-sized raptor has long wings, slender bodies, and a characteristic gliding flight over reedbeds.

Females are larger with brown dark plumage and golden heads, while males show grey wings. They catch small birds, fish, and other animals, feeding over wide wetlands.

Marsh Tit

A small, neat resident breeder, the Marsh Tit has a black cap and bib and prefers woodlands with dense vegetation. Despite its name, it is rarely found in marshes.

Its population has declined due to habitat loss, but it can still be found across parts of England. During the breeding season, it will use nest boxes and cavities in trees to raise its eggs and chicks.

Meadow Pipit

One of the most common wild birds in open country, the Meadow Pipit is slim and streaky brown, often perched on low branches or fence posts.

During spring, males perform parachuting song flights, while in winter it becomes a winter visitor to lowland fields. It is also a crucial host for the Cuckoo, which lays its eggs in the Pipit’s nest.

Mediterranean Gull

A scarce visitor in past decades, the Mediterranean Gull is now a regular breeding species in Britain, with numbers rising quickly. Adults are pure white with black summer hoods and red bills.

They are often seen in large numbers among flocks of Black-headed Gulls, but their pure white wingtips and elegant build make them easy to pick out.

Merlin

The UK’s smallest falcon, the Merlin is a fierce winter migrant and upland breeder. Compact with pointed wings and powerful beaks, it preys on small birds in rapid, low chases.

In Britain, Merlins are mostly scarce breeders on heather moorland, but in winter they move to coasts and marshes, where they hunt over the ground in small groups or alone.

Montagu’s Harrier

One of Britain’s rarest raptors, Montagu’s Harrier is a scarce breeder of the British Isles. Males are slim and pale grey, while females are streaked brown with long tails.

They favour open country and farmland, nesting on the ground in tall crops. With fewer than a handful of pairs in Britain, its last record as a breeder in some regions marks just how vulnerable this species is.

Other Birds That Start with M Across the Globe

Magellanic Penguin

Native to the southern coasts of South America, this penguin nests in burrows and breeds in large colonies. With bold black-and-white markings and two bands across the chest, it is a strong swimmer, diving to catch small fish and squid.

Myna

Native to South Asia, the Myna is a noisy wild bird well known for its ability to mimic sounds. With dark plumage, a yellow eye patch, and bold behaviour, it has spread widely, becoming a familiar introduced breeder in the southern United States and beyond.

Macaroni Penguin

Easily recognised by its golden head crest, the Macaroni Penguin is one of the most numerous penguin species in the world, nesting in large colonies on sub-Antarctic islands. With slender bodies and strong bills, they have a diet that consists mainly of krill and small fish.

Mountain Bluebird

A dazzling wild bird from North America, the male Mountain Bluebird is sky-blue, while females are pale grey-blue. They perch on low branches in meadows and prairies, feeding on insects. This migrant breeder uses nest boxes as well as natural cavities.

Marabou Stork

A giant bird species of Africa, the Marabou Stork is bald-headed, with long legs and a huge bill. Often seen with vultures, it scavenges on carrion but will also take small animals, fish, and scraps left by humans.

Magpie Lark

Native to Australia, this black-and-white bird is often seen foraging on the ground or perching on low branches. Known for its duets, it thrives both in the wild and near human settlements.

Metallic Pigeon

A shimmering pigeon of the Pacific, the Metallic Pigeon belongs to the imperial pigeon group. Its glossy dark plumage reflects shades of purple and green. Living in tropical forests, it feeds on fruit and often gathers in small groups.

Madagascar Buzzard

This powerful bird of prey is found only in Madagascar. It soars over forests searching for small birds, reptiles, and animals. Breeding in tall trees, it raises just a few young each season.

Mourning Warbler

A shy North American warbler that breeds in thickets and dense vegetation, feeding on small insects. Its olive and grey colours keep it hidden, but its ringing song is loud. A migratory bird, it winters in Central and South America.

Mistletoebird

A tiny Australian bird with brilliant red underparts, the Mistletoebird feeds almost entirely on mistletoe berries. It plays a vital role in spreading seeds across the trees of the bush. Despite its size, it sings loudly and is often seen in gardens.

Maroon Oriole

A medium-sized bird from Asia, the Maroon Oriole is strikingly coloured in deep red and black. It feeds on fruit, nectar, and small insects, moving in small groups through the canopy. Its flute-like calls echo across the habitat of tropical woodland.