Starlings
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Introduced from Europe by a Shakespeare enthusiast, starlings have expanded to occur in close to every human-modified habitat. They eat berries and insects and compete with cavity nesters like woodpeckers for places to nest. When confronted by a predator starlings form a large flock known as a murmuration.
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The Northern Bobwhite is the only native resident quail in Maryland. They are a stocky, short bird that prefers to run on the ground. During the winter they form coveys that can include as many as 20 individuals. The males make a distinctive bob-WHITE call during the summer. -
Shrikes are unique songbirds in that they hunt small vertebrates including mammals, birds, and reptiles. They frequently will hang their prey on thorns for later consumption. They are usually found in open fields, hedgerows, and wood edges. -
Vireos are small stocky birds that generally feed on berries and insects. As opposed to warblers that move almost constantly, most vireos will perch and sit for a few minutes before hopping off to the next branch.
