52 Most Common Birds in Maine: The Ultimate Guide!

Dive into Maine’s captivating birding landscapes! From coastal shores to dense forests, Maine offers a diverse array of bird species waiting to be discovered. In this guide, we’ll showcase the 52 most common birds you’re likely to spot across the Pine Tree State, catering to both seasoned birders and newcomers alike.

Most Common Birds in Maine

American Crow

The American Crow is a bird that can be found in many parts of North America. They are most commonly seen in the United States, but they can also be found in parts of Canada and Mexico. The American Crow has a black body with a long, thick beak.

They are known for their loud cawing sound. The American Crow typically lives in open areas such as fields or parks. They build their nests in trees or on other high structures. The American Crow diet consists mostly of insects and small mammals.

Frequency: 50.00% (Statistic: eBird)
Color: Black
Habitat: Open country, farms, parks, woodlands, towns, cities
Range: Canada, USA, Mexico
Size: 16 – 21″ inches
Weight: 315 -620 grams
Diet: Invertebrates, carrion, seeds, eggs fish, grains, mice, frogs, and other small animals.
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Corvis
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Black-capped Chickadee

The Black-capped Chickadee is a small songbird found throughout North America. These birds are easily recognizable by their black cap and white cheeks. Chickadees are non-migratory birds, meaning they will stay in the same area year-round. Chickadees can be found in a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, and even urban parks.

These birds are not particular about their nesting sites and will often use old nests made by other birds. The diet of a Black-capped Chickadee consists mainly of insects and spiders. These birds will also eat seeds and berries when they are available. Chickadees typically eat small insects that they find on tree bark or leaves.

Frequency: 46.68%
Color: Black-cap, white on face, white/reddish-brown flanks
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, backyards, parks
Range: USA and Canada
Size: 11.5 -16 cm length
Weight: 8 – 15 grams
Diet: Insects, seeds, berries
Family: Paridae
Genus: Poecile
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a small, sparrow-like bird with a wingspan of 6.7-8 inches. The adult has a black cap and wings with white bars, a white belly, and a yellow breast. The juvenile is similar but has brownish streaks on its back and wings. The female usually has duller colors than the male. The American Goldfinch is found in open woodlands, gardens, and farmlands across North America.

It is a common sight in the eastern United States but can also be found in parts of Alaska, Canada, and Mexico. The bird prefers to nest in trees or shrubs near the ground. The diet of the American Goldfinch consists mainly of seeds from plants such as thistle, dandelion, and sunflower.

Frequency: 37.96%
Color: Face, neck, and underside are yellow, black wings with white bars
Habitat: Deciduous forests and thickets, roadside, grasslands, backyards, meadows
Range: Canada, USA and Mexico
Size: 4.3 – 5.5″ inches length
Weight: 12 -18 grams
Diet: Grass, dandelions, chickweed, sunflowers and ragweed, thistle, red alder, birch, spruce seeds
Family: Carduelinae
Genus: Spinus
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Blue Jay

The Blue Jay is a native North American bird. It ranges from central Canada to northern Mexico and is one of the most widespread birds in North America. The Blue Jay is a member of the crow family and is closely related to the Eurasian Jay. The Blue Jay is a colorful bird with a distinctive blue plumage. The head, back, wings, and tail are blue, while the underparts are white.

It also has a black neck collar and a white belly patch, with a black beak and legs. The Blue Jay has a wide range of habitats, including forests, woodlands, gardens, and urban areas. It is an adaptable bird and can often be seen in suburban areas. The diet of the Blue Jay consists mainly of insects and nuts.

Frequency: 34.56%
Color: Blue crest on the head, wings, back, and tail, and has a white face and belly
Habitat: Deciduous and mixed forests, mixed woodlands, backyards, parks
Range: Southern Canada, Eastern and Central United States, Florida and Texas
Size: 8 – 12″ inches
Weight: 70 – 100 grams
Diet: Nuts, seeds, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and beetles
Family: Corvidae
Genus: Cyanocitta
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Related:

Song Sparrow

The song sparrow (Melospiza melodia), a medium-sized North American bird. Song sparrows are common birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across North America. These sparrows get their name from their musical singing voices. Song sparrows have a wide range and are commonly found in open habitats such as meadows, grasslands, and agricultural fields.

They also inhabit forests, marshes, and suburban areas. Some song sparrows even live in the Arctic tundra during the breeding season. These birds typically eat insects and seeds. In the winter, when food is scarce, they will also eat berries and fruits. Song sparrows use their long beaks to pick through the ground for food.

Frequency: 34.28%
Color: Gray head, white cheek, a black bib, rufous neck
Habitat: Urban centers, farms, backyards, edges, yards, and parks
Range: Europe, Mediterranean, Asia, Australasia, Africa, and the Americas
Size: 5.5 – 7.0″ inches
Weight: 25 – 40 grams
Diet: Grains, seeds, and insects
Family: Passeridea
Genus: Passer
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Mourning Dove

The Mourning Dove is a widespread bird found across North America. They get their name from their distinctive call, which sounds like they are mourning. Mourning Doves are gentle and timid birds that are easily scared off by loud noises. These doves are mostly gray with a pinkish breast and black spots on their wings.

They have long, pointed tails and thin legs. Mourning Doves typically mate for life and build nests made of twigs and leaves high up in trees. Both parents feed and raise the young chicks. The diet of Mourning Doves consists mainly of seeds, but they will also eat insects, fruits, and berries.

Frequency: 30.08%
Color: Light gray-brown and lighter and pinkish below. The wings have black spots.
Habitat: Open habitats, urban areas, farms, prairie, grassland, wooded area
Range: USA, Canada, Mexico, Central America, Greater Antilles
Size: 12″ inches length
Weight: 112 – 170 grams
Diet: Rapeseed, corn, millet, safflower, sunflower seeds, pokeberry, sesame, and wheat.
Family: Columbidae
Genus: Zenaida
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Related:

American Robin

The American Robin is a migratory bird that can be found in North America. The bird is most commonly found in the eastern United States, but its range extends from Alaska to Newfoundland. The American Robin has also been spotted in parts of Canada and Mexico. The American Robin prefers open habitats, such as forests, fields, and gardens.

This bird is also known to live in urban areas, such as cities and towns. The diet of the American Robin consists mainly of insects, fruits, and berries. The bird will also eat earthworms, snails, and other small animals. In the winter months, the American Robin may eat more fruits and berries than insects.

Frequency: 29.22%
Color: Mostly brown on the back with an orange colored breast
Habitat: Wooded areas, backyards, parks, fields
Range: USA, Canada, Mexico
Size: 12 – 16″ inches
Weight: 72 – 95 grams
Diet: Fruits, berries and insects (earthworms, beetles, caterpillars
Family: Turdidae
Genus: Turdus
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Related:

Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is a beautiful red bird that is found in woodlands across the eastern United States. The range of the Northern Cardinal extends from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The habitat of the Northern Cardinal includes forests, woodlands, and gardens. The diet of the Northern Cardinal consists of seeds, fruits, and insects.

The Northern Cardinal is a songbird that is known for its beautiful singing. The male Northern Cardinal is especially known for its bright red color. The female cardinal is quite generally a duller color than the male, with black masks around their eyes.

Frequency: 21.52%
Color: Mostly red with a black mask on the face, short pink bill
Habitat: woodlands, gardens, parks, backyards, and wetlands
Range: USA, Canada, Mexico
Size: 8.2 – 9.3″ inches
Weight: 33 – 65 grams
Diet: Fruits, berries, and insects (grasshoppers, beetles, snails, cicadas)
Family: Cardinalidae
Genus: Cardinalis
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Related:

Downy Woodpecker

The Downy Woodpecker is a small woodpecker found throughout most of North and Central America. These birds are common in both forests and urban areas, and can be found in a variety of habitats including woodlands, parks, and gardens.

The diet of these birds consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat fruits, nuts, and berries. The Downy Woodpecker is an important bird for both the ecosystem and the economy, as they help to control insect populations and are a popular bird for birdwatchers.

Frequency: 21.48%
Color: Black with a white throat, belly, and back. White spots on wings.
Habitat: Deciduous forests and thickets, roadside, grasslands, backyards, parks.
Range: Canada, USA, and Mexico
Size: 5.5 – 7.1″ inches in length
Weight: 20 – 33 grams
Diet: Mostly insects and beetles and ants, also gall wasps, caterpillars
Family: Picadae
Genus: Dryobates
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

White-breasted Nuthatch

The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a black cap, white face, and blue-gray back and wings. The breast is rusty-brown, the nape and flanks are rusty-brown, and the bill is black. Its legs and feet are gray. The White-breasted Nuthatch is found in woodlands across North America. It prefers mature forests with tall trees, but can also be found in younger forests, parks, and even suburban areas.

This bird nests in tree cavities, using its strong bill to carve out a nest site. The White-breasted Nuthatch eats mostly insects, but will also eat nuts and seeds. In the winter, when insects are scarce, the bird will store food in tree crevices to tide it over until spring arrives.

Frequency: 21.40%
Color: Has a white face, flanks, and chest. It has a black cap on its head a bluish-gray upper and a brown belly
Habitat: Deciduous forests, conifers, roadside, rivers, backyards, parks
Range: Southern Canada, USA
Size: 5.9″ inches
Weight: 20 grams
Diet: Acorn nuts, hickory nuts, ants, caterpillars, scale insects, pine weevils
Family: Sittidae
Genus: Sitta
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Tufted Titmouse

The Tufted Titmouse (Baeolophus bicolor) is a small songbird found in North America. The bird has a wide range, spanning from southern Canada to northern Mexico. The Tufted Titmouse is a non-migratory bird, meaning it will stay in its habitats year-round. The bird’s habitat consists of woodlands, forests, and gardens.

The Tufted Titmouse is known to nest in tree cavities or man-made nesting boxes. The bird’s diet consists mainly of insects, but it also eats seeds and berries. The Tufted Titmouse is a common bird that is not considered to be at risk of extinction. However, like all animals, the Tufted Titmouse faces some threats.

Frequency: 17.66%
Color: Gray upperparts, white front, a tufted gray crest on the head
Habitat: Deciduous forests, river basin, backyards, swamps
Range: Canada, USA, and Mexico
Size: 5.5 – 6.4″ inches
Weight: 18 – 26 grams
Diet: Nuts, insects, berries, seeds small fruit, and snails
Family: Paridae
Genus: Baeolophus
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Hairy Woodpecker

The hairy woodpecker (Picoides villosus) is a medium-sized woodpecker found across much of North America. This black and white bird is most easily identified by its distinctive head pattern, which includes a white stripe running from the bill, through the eye, and to the back of the head. The hairy woodpecker is also notable for its long tongue, which it uses to extract insects from trees.

The hairy woodpecker inhabits a wide range of forest habitats, from coniferous forests to deciduous woods. It is a common bird in both urban and suburban areas. The diet of the hairy woodpecker consists primarily of insects, although the bird will also eat berries and nuts. The hairy woodpecker is an important part of the ecosystem, helping to control insect populations.

Frequency: 16.90%
Color: Black and white checkered throughout, all white underside, has a mask
Habitat: Wooded areas, forest edges, roadsides, gardens, parks.
Range: USA and Canada
Size: 7.0 – 10″ inches in length
Weight: 40 – 95 grams
Diet: Berries, seeds, nuts beetles, ants, caterpillars, and others.
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Tyrannus
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Red-breasted Nuthatch

The Red-breasted Nuthatch is a small songbird that is found in North America. These birds are most commonly seen in forests, but they can also be found in other habitats such as parks and gardens. The diet of the Red-breasted Nuthatch consists mainly of insects, but they will also eat seeds and nuts.
The range of the Red-breasted Nuthatch extends from Alaska and Canada all the way down to Mexico.

These birds are usually found in coniferous forests, but they can also inhabit other types of forests. The habitat of the Red-breasted Nuthatch typically has a lot of trees with thick bark. This provides these birds with a place to hide from predators and to build their nests.

Frequency: 16.75%
Color: Bluish gray upperparts with reddish brown underparts, a white face and throat with a black stripe runs through the eyes.
Habitat: Coniferous trees but can also be found in mixed woods, backyards, and parks.
Range: Canada and USA
Size: 4.5″ inches long
Weight: 9.9 grams
Diet: Berries, suet, small seeds, carrion, grasshoppers, and various insect larvae, and crustaceans.
Family: Sittidae
Genus: Sitta
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Red-winged Blackbird

The Red-winged Blackbird is a species of true blackbird that is endemic to North America. The Red-winged Blackbird is one of the most widespread and familiar blackbirds in North America, and its range extends from Alaska and Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States. The Red-winged Blackbird is a sexually dimorphic species, with males having distinctive red epaulets on their wings and females being overall duller in plumage.

The diet of the Red-winged Blackbird consists primarily of insects, but they will also consume seeds, fruits, and other plant material. The Red-winged Blackbird typically nests in wetlands or other areas with standing water, such as marshes, ponds, and lakes.

Frequency: 16.72%
Color: All black with red patches on shoulder and a yellow wing bar
Habitat: Deciduous forests, conifers, roadside, rivers, backyards, parks
Range: North America, Central America
Size: 6.7 – 7.1″ inches length
Weight: 41.5 – 65 grams
Diet: Seeds and insects (butterflies, dragonflies, moths, frogs, worms, spider, snails, carrion, flies.)
Family: Icteridae
Genus: Agelaius
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Common Yellowthroat

The Common Yellowthroat is a small songbird that is part of the New World warbler family. The bird gets its name from the bright yellow coloring on its throat and breast. The Common Yellowthroat is found in North America, Central America, and parts of South America. The bird prefers to live in wet habitats such as marshes and swampy areas. The Common Yellowthroat will also live in dryer habitats as long as there is some dense vegetation for them to hide in.

This bird eats mostly insects, but will also eat berries and other fruits. The Common Yellowthroat is a widespread bird, but it is not doing well in some areas due to habitat loss. The bird is still considered common overall, but conservation efforts are being put in place to help make sure the population does not decline further.

Frequency: 15.82%
Color: Olive colored above, and has a yellow throat
Habitat: Shrubby, wet areas, including marshes, forest edges, and fallow fields
Range: North America, ranging from southern Canada to central Mexico
Size: 4.3″ – 5.1″ inches long
Weight: 9 – 10 grams
Diet: Feeds on insects and seeds
Family: Parulidae
Genus: Geothlypis
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Gray Catbird

The Gray Catbird is a small North American songbird. The adult catbird has gray upperparts and black cap, face and throat. The underparts are whitish with gray wash on the sides. The bill is black, while the legs are gray. The catbird is about 9 inches long with a wingspan of 13 inches. The Gray Catbird ranges from southern Canada to the Gulf Coast of the United States.

The catbird is a common bird in deciduous woodlands, gardens and shrubby areas. It nests in trees or shrubs, often close to the ground. The diet of the Gray Catbird consists primarily of insects and berries. In summer, the catbird eats mostly insects such as beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers and crickets. In winter, the diet shifts to include more fruits and berries.

Frequency: 15.08%
Color: Mainly Gray with black on tail and head, white accents on the body
Habitat: Woodlands, marshes, meadows
Range: East of the Canadian Rockies, Canada, USA, Mexico, Central America, and the Caribbean
Size: 8 – 9.5″ inches
Weight: 23 – 57 grams
Diet: Fruits, berries, earthworms, beetles, bugs, ants caterpillars, grasshoppers, moths.
Family: Mimidae
Genus: Dumatella
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Dark-eyed Junco

The dark-eyed junco (Junco hyemalis) is a small North American songbird. The six subspecies of dark-eyed junco are distributed across North America, from Alaska and Canada to Central America. They are most common in the Rocky Mountains and Sierra Nevada range. The dark-eyed junco has a brown back, gray breast, and white belly.

The males have black heads with white stripes above the eyes, while females have grayish-brown heads. Both sexes have dark eyes and pink legs. Juveniles have brown upperparts with buff streaks on the wings and back. Dark-eyed juncos are found in open woodlands, brushy areas, and forest edges. In winter, they often congregate in large flocks in open areas such as parks and golf courses.

Frequency: 14.54%
Color: Gray head, neck, breast, gray/brown backs and wings, white underside
Habitat: Wooded areas, forest edges, roadsides, gardens, parks.
Range: USA and Canada
Size: 5.1 – 6.9″ inches
Weight: 18 – 30 grams
Diet: Seeds, insects, and arthropods
Family: Passeriformes
Genus: Junco
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Eastern Phoebe

The Eastern Phoebe (Sayornis phoebe) is a tiny passerine bird. The adult male has dark gray-brown upperparts, paler underparts, and a white collar that sometimes has a faint yellowish tinge. The bill is black, the legs and feet are dark gray, and the iris is dark brown. The adult female is similar in appearance to the male, but has browner upperparts and duller underparts. Juveniles have brown upperparts with buff streaks and pale underparts with buff streaks on the breast.

This species ranges from eastern Canada to northern Florida and from the Atlantic coast to the Great Plains. It is a permanent resident in some areas, but may be migratory in others. Its preferred habitat is open woodlands near streams or other water bodies. Diet consists mainly of insects which are caught in flight.

Frequency: 14.22%
Color: Gray-brown upper, gray breast and underbody, white throat
Habitat: Farmland, parks, and gardens
Range: Southern USA and Mexico
Size: 5.5 – 6.7″ inches long
Weight: 16 – 21 grams
Diet: Insects and berries
Family: Tyrannidae
Genus: Sayornis
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

Chipping Sparrow

The Chipping Sparrow (Spizella passerina) is a small songbird found in North America. The bird has a brown back and wings, with a white belly and breast. The head is gray, with a black line running through the eye. The sparrow is 5 to 6 inches in length, with a wingspan of 8 to 10 inches. The Chipping Sparrow is found in open woodlands, fields, and gardens across North America.

The bird typically nests in trees or shrubs, laying 3 to 5 eggs per clutch. The diet of the Chipping Sparrow consists primarily of insects and seeds. The Chipping Sparrow is not considered to be at risk of extinction at this time. However, the bird’s populations have declined in some areas due to habitat loss and fragmentation.

Frequency: 14.17%
Color: Rust-colored upperparts, gray head, and underparts with a reddish cap on the head
Habitat: Coniferous forests, woodland, farmland, parks, and gardens
Range: Southern USA and Mexico
Size: 4.7 – 5.9″ inches
Weight: 11 – 16 grams
Diet: Mostly seeds, spiders
Family: Passerellidae
Genus: Spizella
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

White-throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow (Zonotrichia albicollis) is a small songbird mostly found in North America. It has a wide range, from Alaska and Canada to the eastern United States. This sparrow is a common bird in many habitats, including forests, meadows, and suburban areas. The white-throated sparrow has a brown back with black and white stripes.

The belly is white, and the throat and head are gray with a white stripe above the eye. This bird is approximately 6 inches in length. The diet of the white-throated sparrow consists mainly of seeds and insects. In winter, when food is scarce, these birds will eat berries and fruits.

Frequency: 13.89%
Color: Brown and gray head pattern. Black-and-white-striped head, white throat, and yellow near the eye.
Habitat: Deciduous forests and thickets, roadside, grasslands, backyards
Range: Eastern North America, Atlantic Canada
Size: 5.9″ – 7.5″ inches long
Weight: 22 – 32 grams
Diet: Seeds, insects, and berries
Family: Passerellidae
Genus: Zonotrichia
Maps: Range Map – Sightings Map
Sounds: Calls and Songs

The backyard birds below have a frequency of less than 14%

European Starling 13.70% Frequency
Common Grackle 13.03%
Red-eyed Vireo 12.50%
Yellow-rumped Warbler 12.01%
Cedar Waxwing 11.94%
k-throated Green Warbler 10.80%
Tree Swallow 10.69%
Northern Flicker 9.85%
Black-and-white Warbler 9.72%
Northern Parula 9.53%
House Finch 9.46%
Purple Finch 9.42%
Common Raven 9.40%
Yellow Warbler 9.37%
Ovenbird 9.30%
House Sparrow 9.21%
Hermit Thrush 8.92%
Rock Pigeon 8.43%
American Redstart 7.48%
Ruby-throated Hummingbird 6.88%
Golden-crowned Kinglet 6.74%
Belted Kingfisher 6.72%
Pileated Woodpecker 6.47%
Blue-headed Vireo 6.43%
Barn Swallow 6.42%
Eastern Bluebird 6.09%
Common Tern 5.71%
Pine Warbler 5.68%
Savannah Sparrow 5.63%
Chestnut-sided Warbler 5.63%
Red-bellied Woodpecker 5.09%
Swamp Sparrow 5.02%

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a popular bird in Maine?

Maine is home to many beautiful birds, but one of the most popular is the black-capped chickadee. Also known as the state bird, these little creatures are a common sight in Maine forests and gardens. Chickadees are known for their cheerful songs and friendly personalities, and they are often quick to approach humans for a quick snack.

Are there bluebirds in Maine?

Yes, there are bluebirds in Maine! There are two species of bluebirds in Maine, the Eastern Bluebird and the Mountain Bluebird. The Eastern Bluebird is the more common of the two species, and can be found throughout the state. The Mountain Bluebird is less common, but can be found in higher elevations in northern Maine.

What are the yellow birds in Maine?

The yellow birds in Maine are called Yellow Warblers. These little birds are found all over the state, and they are a common sight in many backyard bird feeders. Yellow Warblers are small, but they are fierce little predators. They eat insects, spiders, and even small lizards. In the fall, these birds head south for the winter, but in the spring they return to Maine to mate and nest.

Are there wrens in Maine?

There are six wren species that have been documented in Maine: Winter Wren, House Wren, Carolina Wren, Marsh Wren, Rock Wren, and Sedge Wren. All of these species are non-migratory, meaning they will stay in Maine year-round. The Winter Wren is the most common wren in Maine, followed by the House Wren. The other four wren species are less frequently seen, but can still be found in certain areas of the state.

Are there ravens in Maine?

The Common Raven is the only species of raven that can be found in Maine. Though they are not as common as other bird species, they can be found in wooded areas and near bodies of water. Ravens are large birds, with black feathers and a wingspan of up to five feet. They are known for their intelligence and their ability to mimic human speech.

Are there orioles in Maine?

There are three species of orioles that have been documented in Maine: the Baltimore oriole, Orchard oriole, and Bullock’s oriole. While all three species are found in other states, their presence in Maine is relatively rare. The Baltimore oriole is the most likely to be seen in Maine, as it is the only one of the three that breeds in the state.

Does Maine have wild peacocks?

Maine is home to many different types of wildlife, but wild peacocks are not one of them. Peacocks are native to Asia and Africa, and while they can be found in zoos and private collections around the world, there are no known populations of wild peacocks in Maine.

Author

Vince S

Meet Vince, the passionate founder and author of Learn Bird Watching, boasting 30 years of birding experience. With an unwavering mission to empower fellow bird enthusiasts, Vince shares invaluable wisdom and guidance. As a dedicated moderator and contributor to Quora's Bird Watchers' Club, he actively engages with the birding community, where his insightful answers have garnered over 571,082 views and over 2,725 upvotes. Whether you're a budding birder or a seasoned avian aficionado, his wealth of knowledge is at your service.
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