There are a number of small brown birds that are known for flicking or wagging their tails. This tail movement is an important behavioral characteristic that can be used to help identify these birds. Some of the most common small brown birds that flick their tails include wrens, pipits, and wagtails.
Wrens
Wrens are a family of small, active brown birds that often cock or flick their tails upwards. There are around 80 species of wrens worldwide, with several species native to North America. Some examples include:
– House Wren: A common wren with brown upperparts and lighter underparts with barring. It has a long tail that it often cocks upright and flicks back and forth. 5-6 inches long.
– Carolina Wren: A loud, robin-sized wren with a white eyebrow stripe. Warm brown above and reddish-brown below with barring. Flicks its long tail frequently. 6-7 inches long.
– Winter Wren: A tiny wren with reddish brown upperparts and lighter brown underparts with barring. The tail is usually held cocked upright and flicked. 3-4 inches long.
Key Identification Tips
– Small, round, plump bodies with erect postures
– Plain brown or reddish-brown plumage above, lighter below
– Frequently cock and flick short, upright tails
– Active foragers, often seen hopping and flitting through vegetation
– Loud, complex, singing voices for their size
Pipits
Pipits are small passerine birds in the genus Anthus. They are mostly brown-plumaged with white bellies, and tend to flick or wag their tails up and down. Species found in North America include:
– American Pipit: A common, ground-dwelling pipit with brown upperparts, heavy streaking on the breast, and pink legs. It pumps its tail up and down while walking and foraging on the ground. 6-7 inches long.
– Sprague’s Pipit: A prairie and grassland pipit with pinkish-brown upperparts and wings, buffy underparts with streaking, and yellowish legs. The tail frequently bobs up and down. About 6 inches long.
Key Identification Tips
– Slender, elongated bodies and long hind claws for terrestrial movement
– Plain brown upperparts with streaked underparts
– Long tails that pump up and down while walking
– Skulking ground foragers that blend into vegetation
– High-pitched flight calls
Wagtails
Wagtails are slender, elegant birds that get their name from their characteristic tail wagging. They are medium-sized birds with predominantly gray, black, and white plumage. Species in North America include:
– Yellow Wagtail: A Eurasian wagtail with gray upperparts, a bright yellow underbody, and a long black tail. It often wags its tail up and down. About 6-7 inches long.
– Gray Wagtail: A boldly patterned wagtail with a black upper back, white underparts, and a very long black tail that bobs up and down. About 7 inches long.
Key Identification Tips
– Slender bodies, moderately long legs, upright postures
– Contrasting black, white, and yellow plumage patterns
– Very long tails that wag up and down frequently
– Active habits, constantly wagging tail and fluttering wings
– Distinctive high-pitched calls
How to Identify a Small Brown Tail-Flicking Bird
Here are some tips for identifying a small brown bird in your backyard that flicks or wags its tail:
– Note the bird’s size and shape – is it a small round wren, elongated pipit, or slender wagtail?
– Observe the color pattern – light below and plain brown above may indicate a wren or pipit. Contrasting black, white and yellow could be a wagtail.
– Check the tail length and movement – long tails pumping up and down indicate pipits and wagtails. Short, cocked upright tails frequently flicked are typical of wrens.
– Listen for sounds – wrens have loud, complex songs. Pipits give high-pitched flight calls. Wagtails have distinctive calls.
– Watch behavior – wagtails and pipits stay grounded, wagging and pumping their tails. Wrens are active acrobats that flit through vegetation.
– Consider habitat – wrens like shrubs and thickets. Pipits and wagtails forage in open grassy areas.
Conclusion
In summary, the three main groups of small brown birds that flick or wag their tails are wrens, pipits, and wagtails. Distinguishing field marks to look for include tail length and movement, plumage patterns, body shape and proportions, sounds, behavior, and habitat preferences. Taking note of all these factors will help you identify that flicking tail! Some common species in North America include House Wrens, American Pipits, and Yellow Wagtails. With a bit of practice, you’ll be able to spot and recognize these active little tail-flickers in no time.
The Carolina Wren (Thryothorus ludovicianus) is a small, plump songbird of the wren family found commonly across eastern North America. It measures 13–15 cm (5–6 in) long, with a wingspan of 17–21 cm (6 1⁄2–8 1⁄2 in) and weighs 18–30 g (0.6–1.1 oz). The Carolina Wren is a deep rusty brown above with a creamy tan face and throat and light cinnamon buff underparts with barring. The long bill is slightly decurved and the long tail is frequently cocked erect and flicked. The wings are rounded with cinnamon barred coverts. The feet are flesh-colored. Sexes are similar, but juveniles have less distinct markings.
The Carolina Wren inhabits a range of habitats including woodlands, thickets, suburban gardens and parks. It builds domed nests in cavities, crevices or other sheltered sites and has multiple broods. Its diet consists of insects, spiders and other small invertebrates. This species forages actively, creeping along branches and probing with its long bill into crevices. It moves with a distinctive bouncing, dipping motion. The male’s song is a loud series of cheer or squee notes, often rising or falling in pitch.
The Carolina Wren breeds from the southeastern United States through eastern Mexico south to Panama. It is non-migratory and resides in its breeding range year-round. The Carolina Wren is the state bird of South Carolina. Its population declined in the early 20th century but has rebounded and expanded its range northward. The species rates as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List.
In summary, the Carolina Wren is a small, energetic brown bird of eastern North America that is easily identified by its rusty coloration, long cocked tail, loud vocalizations and active foraging habits. Its habit of flicking its tail frequently makes it a prime candidate when trying to identify small brown birds that characteristically flip their tails. With some patience, you can attract its bright spirit to your own backyard. Observing its bubbly energy and cheerful song is sure to brighten your day!
The House Wren (Troglodytes aedon) is a tiny, energetic songbird of the wren family that occurs widely across North America. It measures 11–13 cm (4–5 in) long with a 15–17 cm (6–7 in) wingspan, and weighs 10–12 g (0.35–0.4 oz). As its name implies, this small brown bird lives closely alongside humans, nesting in artificial cavities and feeders in suburban yards, city parks and rural gardens.
The House Wren has rich brown upperparts and light grayish underparts with faint barring. The wings and tail are barred with darker brown. The bill is slender and slightly downcurved, while the legs are brown. A key field mark is the very short, cocked black-and-white banded tail that is flicked up and down rapidly. The undertail coverts are a warm rufous color. Males and females look alike.
House Wrens breed across southern Canada, most of the continental United States and down into Mexico. Northern populations migrates south for winter, while southern birds are resident year-round. They readily use nest boxes and make messy nests out of twigs, grass, feathers and debris. Males sing loudly and melodiously to establish breeding territories. House Wrens forage actively for insects, spiders and small prey among low vegetation. They move quickly with upright, jerky motions, flitting through bushes and trees with rapid wingbeats.
The key traits that identify the small, brown House Wren are its tiny size; short, cocked tail; plain brown and gray pattern; noisy song; and energetic foraging habits. Watch for these birds investigating yards, thickets and parks. Listen for their rushed, bubbly song, given even in flight. With careful observation you can detect House Wrens by their distinctive tail-flicking behavior as they busily search for their next tasty morsel. Welcome these tiny energetic Brown sprites into your garden by offering suitable nest boxes.
The American Pipit (Anthus rubescens) is an undistinguished looking, ground-dwelling songbird that inhabits alpine and Arctic tundra environments across North America. It measures 15–19 cm (6–7.5 in) long with a 23–26 cm (9–10 in) wingspan, and weighs about 26 g (0.9 oz). Its slender body has unstreaked brown upperparts, dark streaking on the breast and flanks, and pale pinkish legs. The bill is long and thin. It wags its tail enthusiastically up and down as it walks. In flight, pipits reveal bright white outer tail feathers.
American Pipits breed in northern Alaska and Canada in summer, migrating to southern Canada and the United States in winter. They inhabit open habitats including tundra, meadows, fields, pastures and beaches. Their nests are well-concealed in vegetation on the ground. They walk deliberately while foraging, probing the ground or vegetation. They have high-pitched flight calls.
To identify the American Pipit, look for an slim, upright bird on open ground that exhibits an almost constant tail pumping motion as it walks. Its nondescript brown back and streaked front are key field marks. Listen for its flight call overhead. Watch for them strutting in Solitude on bare, windswept landscapes in winter. Pipits remain cautious and ready to fly with their incessant tail flicking. With patience, you can distinguish these humble brown sprites as they blend into the Earth tones of their bleak habitats.
The Yellow Wagtail (Motacilla flava) is a strikingly patterned but petite songbird of the wagtail family. It measures 16–19 cm (6–7 in) long with a 26–29 cm (10–11 in) wingspan, weighing about 20 g (0.7 oz). As its name suggests, it has bright yellow underparts contrasting with gray backs and black tails. The tails of these slender birds are exceptionally long for their size and they wag up and down with great regularity. Their flight style is distinctively undulating and fluttering.
This Eurasian species has a massive range spanning Europe, Asia and Africa. A few isolated breeding populations exist in western Alaska and northwest Canada as well. Yellow Wagtails inhabit open areas such as meadows, pastures, wetlands and tundra. Insects and other small invertebrates make up their diet. They build well-hidden nests on the ground and may migrate long distances between breeding and wintering grounds.
To spot a Yellow Wagtail, watch for a small, graceful bird with contrasting plumage flicking its tail in open terrain. Note its elegant movements both on the ground and fluttering in flight. Like other wagtails, it is perennially in motion, pumping its tail, fluttering its wings and abruptly darting after prey. Its distinctive appearance and hyperactive habits make the Yellow Wagtail a delightful subject to observe. Take a few moments to enjoy its bright beauty during its short stay on migration across the remote northern reaches of the continent.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of habitat do tail-flicking birds prefer?
Tail-flicking birds occupy a variety of habitats, but are often found in areas with dense, low vegetation. Wrens favor shrubby areas like thickets, hedgerows, and gardens. Pipits inhabit open country like grasslands, meadows, mudflats, and alpine tundra. Wagtails also like open terrain, from wetlands to rocky seashores. All forage close to the ground.
Where are the best places to see tail-flicking birds?
Wrens are easily seen in yards, parks, and woodland edges across much of North America. Pipits are most visible during migration and winter at inland lakeshores or coasts. Good spots for wagtails include northern plains and tundra in migration. Otherwise they are restricted to Europe/Asia.
What food sources do tail-flickers seek out?
As insectivores, all tail-flicking birds hunt for invertebrates like insects, spiders, worms, and snails/slugs. They also eat small fruits and seeds. Wrens probe in trees and vegetation. Pipits and wagtails forage by sight on the ground. Their constant tail movements help flush out prey.
Are tail-flicking behaviors unique to these birds?
While especially characteristic of wrens, pipits and wagtails, other birds do flick or fan their tails as well. For instance, some sparrows, flycatchers, and warblers may flick or wag their tails occasionally. However, the tail movements of wrens, pipits and wagtails are uniquely constant and exaggerated.
How can I attract tail-flickers to my yard?
Provide suitable habitat by planting native shrubs and trees or letting brushy edges grow. Include bare ground for foraging. Offer nest boxes for wrens. Include plants that attract insects. Place feeders with suet, seeds or mealworms close to vegetation. Reduce pesticide use so birds can find natural prey. Sit quietly and watch!
Conclusion
In conclusion, small brown birds that habitually flick their tails belong to three bird families: wrens, pipits and wagtails. Wrens such as the House and Carolina Wrens have round, upright bodies, plain brown coloration, short cocked tails and loud voices. Pipits like the American Pipit are ground-dwellers with slender profiles, streaked underparts, pinkish legs and long tails they constantly pump up and down. Elegant wagtails like the Yellow Wagtail have very long tails, contrasting black-and-white markings and graceful, fluttering flight. Getting to know their appearance, sounds and behaviors will help you identify those delightful little tail-flickers that grace our fields and backyards.