Fascinating Brown Birds with Long Tails

Welcome to a world where brown isn’t just ordinary – it’s extraordinary! In this blog post, we’re going to introduce you to some amazing birds. They might be brown, but they’ve got something special: long, eye-catching tails. These birds show us that brown can be full of surprises and beauty. We’ll use pictures to help you recognize them and share details about where they like to live and what they like to eat. Get ready to be amazed by these unique and wonderful brown birds with long tails!

List of Brown Birds with Long Tails

Indian Paradise Flycatcher

• Scientific name: Terpsiphone paradisi
• Lifespan: Typically 5-8 years
• Size: Small to medium-sized flycatcher; around 8-9 inches (20-23 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in parts of Asia

The Indian Paradise Flycatcher is a captivating bird renowned for its remarkable tail. With its brown body and glossy black mohawk-like crest, it possesses an ethereal beauty. A striking blue eyering is visible up close, while its upper parts are chestnut-colored and underparts off-white. Both male and female Paradise Flycatchers have similar appearances, but their tails differ in length. On average, the adult flycatcher measures about 6.7 inches long. Males boast long central tail feathers, reaching about 13 inches, twice the length of their body. In contrast, females have shorter tails. Besides its distinctive tail, the Indian Paradise Flycatcher showcases impressive speed during flight, reaching over 30 mph. It also exhibits incredible agility, performing quick midair maneuvers, making it a true marvel of the avian world.

Black-bellied Cuckoo

• Scientific name: Piaya melanogaster
• Lifespan: About 4-6 years
• Size: Medium-sized cuckoo; approximately 12-14 inches (30-36 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to parts of Central and South America

The Black-bellied Cuckoo is a mesmerizing bird found in Central and South America, often mistaken for its North American cousins, the black-billed cuckoos. Its identification becomes apparent through its striking black belly, oval brown body, captivating red bill, and stunning red eyes. A yellow patch near its eyes adds to its allure. The black-bellied cuckoo boasts a long-tailed elegance, with its tail spanning from 14.7 to 15.9 inches. Renowned for its unique call described as “dyerií-dyu,” this distinctive sound is employed to attract mates during the breeding season and resonates even during the non-breeding season when the bird is solitary.

Brown Thrasher

• Scientific name: Rhinopomastus minor
• Lifespan: 10-12 years
• Size: 20-30 cm
• Native to: eastern and Central United States and Southern and central Canada

The Brown Thrasher is a fascinating medium-sized bird commonly found in eastern North America. With its long tail and reddish-brown upperparts, it stands out in the avian world. Its underparts are white with distinctive dark brown markings, and it sports a long, slightly curved bill and noticeable yellow eyes. Female Brown Thrashers resemble males with their overall brown coloration above and white streaked below. One of the most intriguing qualities of the Brown Thrasher is its ability to mimic the sounds of other bird species, making it a talented vocalist in the bird kingdom.

Black Falcon

• Scientific name: Falco subniger
• Lifespan: About 8-12 years
• Size: Medium to large falcon; approximately 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) in length, wingspan of 2.8-3.3 feet (85-100 cm)
• Origin: Native to Australia

The Black Falcon is a magnificent bird of prey and a member of the Falcon family. Its striking appearance includes a wingspan of up to 45.3 inches, and its mostly dark brown plumage with paler wings gives it a regal aura. Some individuals may even appear almost black. Notably, it has feathered feet and broad shoulders, adding to its impressive presence. With an average body length of 17.7 to 22 inches, its tail measures about 8.3 to 11 inches, almost the same size as its body. Female falcons are generally larger than their male counterparts. The Black Falcon is an apex predator, preying on Australian pipits, honeyeaters, and zebra finches. Its call, resembling loud cackles or hacking sounds, echoes through its habitat.

Pheasant-Tailed Jacana

• Scientific name: Hydrophasianus chirurgus
• Lifespan: Typically 5-8 years
• Size: Medium-sized wader; around 9-11 inches (23-28 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in parts of Asia

The Pheasant-Tailed Jacana is a remarkable water bird found in the enchanting landscapes of India, China, and Southeast Asia. Instantly recognizable by its chocolate brown body and the grace of its long black tail feathers, this jacana exudes beauty and charm. Pure white faces and wings accentuate its splendor, while a delightful yellow neck patch adds to its allure. With an average tail length of 9.8 to 13.8 inches, this avian wonder embodies elegance. Thriving in shallow wetlands such as marshes, ponds, lagoons, and flooded fields, the Pheasant-Tailed Jacana feeds primarily on aquatic insects, while occasionally indulging in plants like grasses and sedges, showcasing its adaptability and distinctive traits in its captivating habitat.

Rufous Treepie

• Scientific name: Dendrocitta vagabunda
• Lifespan: About 6-8 years
• Size: Medium-sized treepie; approximately 18-20 inches (46-51 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to South and Southeast Asia

The Rufous Treepie is a fascinating medium-sized bird commonly found in Southeast Asia. With its striking long tail and rusty brown body, it stands out in the avian world. It sports a black head and eye-catching black and white wings and tail, complemented by a grayish, slightly hooked bill. The Rufous Treepie is known for its loud and melodious calls, often heard as “ko-tree” and “bob-o-link,” adding to its charm. Its tail measures about 11.8 inches, further enhancing its elegant appearance. This sociable bird is frequently seen perching on trees or rocks in open woodlands, foraging for fruits, small invertebrates, and seeds, and displaying its resourcefulness in leaf litter and tree bark crevices. Its preference for foraging in groups aids in predator vigilance, making it an admired member of the avian community.

Black-faced Coucal

• Scientific name: Centropus melanops
• Lifespan: Typically 4-6 years
• Size: Medium-sized coucal; around 14-16 inches (36-41 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in parts of Southeast Asia and Australia

The Black-faced Coucal is a captivating species of cuckoo endemic to the Philippines. Known for its distinctive “wup-wup” calls, this bird boasts an unmistakable appearance. With a cream-colored head and neck, complemented by chestnut wings and a striking black face, the Black-faced Coucal stands out in its habitat. Male birds generally have darker bodies than females, and their tail length matches their body size. Preferring woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas, this ground-dwelling bird showcases its agility as it walks along the ground, searching for insects, lizards, and occasional fruit as its primary food sources. While waiting for prey, it can be seen perching on trees or shrubs, employing its patient hunting strategy.

Rufous-backed Shrike

• Scientific name: Lanius schach
• Lifespan: About 4-6 years
• Size: Small to medium-sized shrike; approximately 7-9 inches (18-23 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to parts of Asia

The Rufous-backed Shrike is a captivating bird native to various regions of Asia, with variations in plumage based on location. Resplendent in its beauty, this small bird features a distinctive black mask, chestnut back, and whitish throat, complemented by grayish-black tails matching their body length. Rufous-backed Shrikes thrive in open areas like fields or meadows, with shrubs and trees in proximity for perching and nesting. Their flight stays low near the ground, displaying their agility as they chase after insects and other food sources. This tiny bird with striking features brings a touch of elegance and fascination to its habitat.

Black-throated Thistletail

Image Source

• Scientific name: Schizoeaca harterti
• Lifespan: Typically 5-7 years
• Size: Small bird; around 4-5 inches (10-13 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in parts of South America

The Black-throated Thistletail is a common Bolivian bird, known for its high-pitched squeaks that resonate through its habitat. With its distinctive black throat and brown-gray body, this small and lively species is easily identifiable. It measures around 6 inches in length, with an impressive wingspan reaching 8 inches wide. Its tail is 7-9 inches long. Preferring cloud forests and areas with dense vegetation, the Black-throated Thistletail feeds on insects, such as ants, beetles, flies, and caterpillars.

Buff-browed Chachalaca

Image Source

• Scientific name: Ortalis superciliaris
• Lifespan: About 6-8 years
• Size: Medium-sized chachalaca; approximately 21-23 inches (53-58 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to South America

Endemic to Brazil, the Buff-browed Chachalaca is an exotic brown bird with a captivating long tail. Inhabiting tropical rainforests, this species boasts distinct coloration and patterns, featuring a gray chest that transitions into brown on its belly, while the rest of its body remains brown. Like the Indian Paradise Flycatcher, the Buff-browed Chachalaca possesses long central feathers, with its tail measuring half its body length, approximately 11 inches long. Its vocalizations are equally unique, characterized by high-pitched “typical of Ortalis” calls.

Afghan Babbler

• Scientific name: Turdoides huttoni
• Lifespan: Typically 5-7 years
• Size: Small to medium-sized babbler; around 7-8 inches (18-20 cm) in length
• Origin: Found in parts of Asia

The Afghan Babbler is a ground-dwelling bird native to the mountainous regions of Afghanistan. Often spotted in large groups, it showcases a mainly brown body with dark streaks, while its tail is slightly longer than its body, measuring 10.2 inches. Its vocalizations are distinctive, featuring a variety of loud trills that are more persistent and higher-pitched than those of most birds in the area. When perched on trees or rocks, the Afghan Babbler exhibits rapid tail flicking, adding to its unique identification traits.

Albert’s Lyrebird

• Scientific name: Menura alberti
• Lifespan: About 10-15 years
• Size: Medium-sized songbird; approximately 16-20 inches (41-51 cm) in length
• Origin: Native to Australia

Albert’s Lyrebird, an Australian species, thrives in the rainforest and is celebrated for its exceptional ability to mimic sounds, often emulating small birds like satin bowerbirds. Both sexes exhibit chestnut-brown plumage above, adorned with a bluish eyering and pale underside. To distinguish the sexes, observe their body length and tails. Males measure around 29.5 inches, while females are slightly smaller at 27.5 inches in length. Male lyrebirds also showcase longer tails, accentuated by even longer central tail feathers, often curving them upward when walking.

Final Thoughts on Brown Birds with Long Tails

As we wrap up our journey into the world of brown birds with long tails, one thing is clear – nature loves to surprise us! These birds have shown us that brown isn’t just dull; it can be a canvas for striking beauty. From their remarkable tails to their habitats and diets, we’ve uncovered a whole new side to these seemingly ordinary birds.

Remember, beauty comes in all shapes, sizes, and colors. These brown birds have reminded us to never underestimate the wonders that nature has to offer. So, the next time you spot a brown bird with a long tail, take a moment to appreciate the uniqueness it brings to our world. Keep exploring and discovering the incredible diversity that surrounds us!

Further Readings

• Brown Birds with Long Beaks
• Brown Birds with White Spots
• Brown and white Birds
• Brown Birds with Yellow Beaks
• Brown birds with Red Heads
• Brown Cardinals