Birds of Massachusetts
Massachusetts is bordered by the Atlantic Ocean to the east, New Hampshire and Vermont to the north, New York to the west, and Connecticut and Rhode Island to the south. The state's geography is diverse and includes coastal plains, rolling hills, forests, and mountains. Massachusetts is home to more than 300 different bird species each year. From the rare Northern Goshawk to the common Black-capped Chickadee, Massachusetts birds come in all shapes and sizes.
Featured Bird Species
1. Small Birds
American Goldfinches
The American Goldfinch, scientific name Spinus tristis, is a small songbird in the finch family. Adult male American Goldfinches are known for their striking breeding plumage, characterized by a bright yellow body, black wings and tail, and a black cap on the head. During the winter and non-breeding season, males shed their bright yellow coloration and resemble females with a more subdued olive-brown plumage. Females and juveniles have duller plumage throughout the year, with an olive-yellow body and brown wings and tail. They are commonly found in open habitats such as fields, meadows, grasslands, orchards and suburban areas. They are also frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders.
These finches are highly social birds and often flock outside of the breeding season. They feed primarily on seeds and have specialized diets, preferring the seeds of a variety of plants such as thistle, sunflowers, and dandelions. They also eat insects and occasionally berries and tree buds, especially during the breeding season when they need more protein to reproduce and raise their young. Compared to many other songbirds, American Goldfinches nest late in the season, usually from late June through early September. They build cup-shaped nests of plant fibers, grasses, and other materials, usually in shrubs or trees. Females lay small clutches of eggs (usually 3-7) that incubate for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding the young, which fledge in about 11-17 days.
Black-capped Chickadees
The black-capped chickadee is a small, energetic songbird native to North America. Black-capped chickadees have a distinctive appearance with a black cap and bib on their head, white cheeks, and a gray back. They have a short, stubby bill and are relatively small, measuring about 4 to 5 inches (10 to 13 cm) in length. Their plumage is grayish-brown overall, with a lighter coloration on the underparts. Black-capped chickadees are found throughout much of North America, from Alaska and Canada to the northern United States. They inhabit a variety of forests and woodlands, including deciduous and mixed forests, coniferous forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. Black-capped chickadees are adaptable birds that can be found in a wide variety of habitats, but they prefer areas with dense vegetation and ample cover, such as forests filled with mature trees and shrubs. They are frequent visitors to backyard bird feeders, especially where there are trees or shrubs nearby.
Black-capped chickadees are very active and social birds, known for their acrobatic displays and cheerful calls. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, eggs and larvae as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. They also eat seeds, nuts, berries and suet, especially during the winter months when insects are scarce. In addition black-capped cockatoos usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of moss, plant fibers, and other materials, usually in tree cavities or nesting holes. Females lay clutches of 6-8 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-13 days.
Cedar Waxwings
The Cedar Waxwing is a medium-sized bird with a distinctive appearance. They have silky brownish-gray feathers on their back and wings, and a yellow belly with a distinctive black mask that extends over the eyes and ends in a pointed tip at the back of the head. They have a crest on their head, which often appears to be somewhat disheveled. Their most striking feature is the bright red, waxy tip on the secondary feathers, which gives them their name. Cedar waxwings are found throughout much of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are migratory birds, with northern populations migrating south for the winter. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, orchards, parks, and suburban areas. Cedar waxwings typically inhabit areas where fruit trees and shrubs are abundant and they feed on them. They are highly nomadic birds and will be found in flocks in fruit-rich areas. They are known for their graceful flight and aerial acrobatics.
Cedar waxwings are frugivorous, which means they eat mostly fruit. Their diet is varied and includes a variety of berries, fruits and small insects. They often forage in flocks, picking fruit from trees and bushes while perched or flying. They also skim the surface of ponds or streams with their beaks and drink from the air. Cedar waxwings usually breed in late spring to early summer. They usually build cup-shaped nests of twigs, grasses, and plant fibers in trees or bushes. Females lay clutches of 2-6 eggs and incubate for about 12-13 days.
Carolina Wrens
The Carolina wren is a small, energetic songbird native to the southeastern United States. They are plump, have a long, slightly curved bill, a distinctive white stripe on the brow, a warm reddish-brown upperparts and aqua-green underparts, and dark stripes on the wings and tail. Their tails are usually upright. Carolina wrens are found primarily in the southeastern United States, from eastern Texas and Oklahoma to the Atlantic coast and as far north as southern Canada. They also occur in Mexico and parts of Central America. They are non-migratory birds and usually stay in their breeding grounds throughout the year. Carolina wrens inhabit a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, wooded areas, shrublands, suburban gardens, and urban parks. They especially prefer areas with dense vegetation and ample cover, such as bushes, woodpiles, and tangled vines.
The Carolina Wren is a very active bird known for its boldness and curiosity. They have a loud, melodious song that includes cheerful whistles, trills, and chirps that they use to establish territories and attract mates. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, spiders and other small invertebrates, foraging from leaves, bark and the ground. Carolina wrens usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of twigs, leaves, and other plant material, usually located in dense vegetation, shrubs, or low trees. Females lay a clutch of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-16 days.
White-breasted Nuthatches
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small, charismatic songbird native to North America. The White-breasted Nuthatch has a distinctive appearance, with a bluish-gray back, white face, black crown and neck, long, pointed bill, short legs, stubby, clawed toes, and white underparts with a black stripe across the eyes and sides of the body. White-breasted yellow finches are found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to central Mexico. They inhabit a variety of forest and woodland habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, pine forests, woodlands, and suburban areas. White-breasted Nuthatches prefer densely wooded mature forests, but they can also be found in parks, gardens, and other wooded areas. They are often found in areas with large trees and dead wood for foraging and nesting. They are agile climbers and can climb headfirst down tree trunks and branches.
White-breasted Nuthatches are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, eggs and larvae as well as spiders and other small invertebrates. They use their powerful beaks to pry insects out of bark crevices and hammer open seeds and nuts. They also hide food for later consumption, storing seeds and nuts in bark crevices or under bark. White-breasted yellowlegs usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of bark strips, twigs, and plant fibers, usually in tree cavities or nesting holes. Females lay clutches of 5-9 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge after about 18-26 days.
2. Medium-sized Birds
American robin
The American Robin is one of the most recognizable and widely distributed birds in North America. Adult American Robins are a medium-sized songbird with a distinctive appearance. They have a grayish-brown upperparts, an orange-red breast, and a white belly. Males and females are similar in appearance, but males have a darker head color and overall brighter plumage. Juveniles are spotted on the breast and do not have the rich red coloration of adults. American Robins are found throughout North America, from Alaska and Canada all the way to Mexico. They are migratory birds, with northern populations migrating south for the winter and returning north to breed in the spring. Some robins, especially those in milder climates, may remain on their breeding grounds year-round.
In addition, American robins inhabit a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, parks, gardens, and suburban areas. They are highly adaptable and can be found in both urban and rural environments. During the breeding season, they prefer to forage in vegetated, open areas. American Robins forage primarily on the ground, finding food by jumping and running across lawns, fields, and open spaces. Their diet is varied and includes insects, earthworms, fruits, berries, and occasionally seeds. They are known for their unique habit of raising their heads to listen for prey on the ground. American Robins breed early, and the breeding season typically begins in March or April, depending on the area. They build cup-shaped nests of grass, twigs and dirt, usually in trees, bushes or on building ledges. Females lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs, which incubate for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge after about 14-16 days.
Gray Catbird
The gray catbird is a songbird native to North America. Gray catbirds have overall smooth slate-gray plumage with a dark gray cap and an elongated black bill. They have a distinctive black patch on the top of their head that is usually hidden by their feathers and may not be visible in any lighting conditions. Their underparts are a light gray with a hint of rust coloration under the tail that can be seen when they are flying or waving their tail. Gray catbirds are found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada to northern Mexico. They are migratory birds, with populations in the northern part of their range migrating to the south for the winter. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including deciduous and mixed forests, brush, scrub, gardens, and urban parks. Habitat Gray catbirds prefer dense vegetation and scrub habitat where there is ample vegetation for nesting and foraging. They are often found in understory vegetation, forest edges, overgrown fields and gardens. They also frequent backyard bird feeders, especially where there is dense underbrush nearby.
Gray catbirds are secretive birds that tend to hide in dense vegetation, but are often heard before they are seen. Gray catbirds are good mimics and make a variety of sounds, including the cat-like "meow" that gave them their name. They are omnivores, feeding on a variety of insects, berries, fruits and seeds. Gray catbirds usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of twigs, grasses and plant fibers, usually hidden in dense shrubs or vines. Females lay a clutch of 2-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge after about 10-12 days.
Red-eyed Vireo
The Red-eyed Vireo is a small songbird native to North America. The Red-eyed Vireo is a relatively common looking bird with an olive green upperparts, white underparts, and distinctive red eyes, which gives the Red-eyed Vireo its name. They have a gray crown and a black line across the eye, giving them a hooded appearance. The eye color may be less pronounced in young birds. Red-eyed vireos breed throughout much of eastern North America, from southern Canada to the eastern United States. They migrate to Central and South America for the winter, with some populations reaching as far south as Argentina and Brazil. During migration, they can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, woodlands, and shrublands.
Red-eyed vireos inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, as well as forest edges, parks and gardens. They prefer mature forests with dense canopies and heavy foliage for nesting and foraging. They often perch high in the canopy and forage for insects among the foliage. They are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of insects, spiders, and other invertebrates. They forage for insects by picking them up from leaves and branches, often methodically moving through the canopy. Red-eyed vireos usually breed between May and August. They build cup-shaped nests of plant fibers, grasses, and other materials, usually at or near the ends of branch forks. Females lay a clutch of 3-5 eggs, which are incubated for about 12-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge in about 10-14 days.
Common Grackles
The Common Grackle is a medium-sized blackbird known for its colorful plumage and raucous call. They have glossy black feathers with purple-blue iridescence, most noticeable in sunlight, a long keeled tail and a slender bill. Adult males are slightly larger than females and have longer tails. Females and juveniles have more brownish-black plumage and less iridescence. Common grackles are found throughout most of North America, from southern Canada all the way to Central America. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including open woodlands, forest edges, marshes, farmlands, suburbs, and urban parks. Common grackles are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of habitats, but they prefer open areas with scattered trees and ample food sources. They are often found in agricultural fields, pastures and meadows where they forage for insects and seeds. They are also frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they consume seeds and grains.
Common grackles are omnivorous birds with a varied diet that includes insects, seeds, grains, fruits, berries and small vertebrates. They forage on the ground and in trees, often probing the soil or turning over fallen leaves to find prey. They have also been known to follow plows and tractors in agricultural fields to feed on exposed insects. Common grackles usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build bulky, cup-shaped nests of twigs, grasses, and other plant material, usually located in trees or bushes. Females lay a clutch of 3-7 eggs that incubate for about 11-14 days. Both parents participate in feeding and caring for the young, which fledge after about 12-18 days.
Eastern phoebes
The Eastern Phoebe is a small bird of prey native to North America. They have an understated appearance with an olive-gray upperparts, a white belly, a darker head with a small crown, a lighter throat, and a distinctive black bill. Their wings and tail are brownish gray with white outer tail feathers, which are often visible in flight. Eastern Phoebes are found throughout much of eastern North America, from eastern Canada all the way to Florida and as far west as Texas. They are migratory birds, with northern populations migrating south for the winter. They inhabit a variety of habitats, including woodlands, forests, riparian areas, parks, and suburban areas. Eastern Phoebes typically inhabit waterfronts such as streams, rivers, ponds, and marshes where they forage for insects. They are also commonly found in wooded areas where there are open spaces for foraging and nesting.
They are very adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including urban and suburban areas. Eastern phoebes are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths and ants. They are perching flycatchers, sitting on branches or other elevated perches and leaping out in mid-air to catch insects. After capturing their prey, they usually return to the same perch. Eastern Phoebe usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of mud, moss, grass and other materials, usually on ledges, cliffs, bridges, buildings or other structures. Females lay a clutch of 3-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
They are very adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats including urban and suburban areas. Eastern phoebes are primarily insectivorous, feeding on a variety of flying insects such as flies, beetles, moths and ants. They are perching flycatchers, sitting on branches or other elevated perches and leaping out in mid-air to catch insects. After capturing their prey, they usually return to the same perch. Eastern Phoebe usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build cup-shaped nests of mud, moss, grass and other materials, usually on ledges, cliffs, bridges, buildings or other structures. Females lay a clutch of 3-6 eggs, which are incubated for about 14-16 days.
3. Large Birds
American Kestrels
The American Kestrel is a small, compact and colorful falcon native to North and South America. The American Kestrel is the smallest falcon in North America. They have rust-colored backs and tails, slate blue wings with black spots, and white faces with black markings. Males have dark blue wings and reddish-brown tails with black stripes; females have reddish-brown wings and tails with black stripes. Both sexes have distinctive black vertical stripes on the face. American kestrels are found throughout much of North and South America. They inhabit a wide variety of habitats, including open grasslands, agricultural lands, deserts, forests, and urban areas. They are migratory birds, with northern populations migrating to the south for the winter. American kestrels prefer open habitats with abundant habitats and open hunting space. They often perch on utility poles, fence posts, trees, or other high places where they scan the ground for prey.
American kestrels are primarily diurnal and feed on a variety of small prey such as insects, rodents, birds and reptiles. They hunt by hovering or perching in the air, waiting for prey to appear, and then swooping down to capture it with their sharp talons. They also hunt by flying low and fast in a manner known as "tail-flinging," where they fly close to the ground and use their tail to control their direction. American kestrels usually breed in late spring to early summer. They build small cup-shaped nests of twigs, grasses, feathers, and other materials, usually located in tree cavities, cliffs, or man-made structures such as nest boxes. Females lay a clutch of 3-7 eggs, which are incubated for about 28-31 days.
American Woodcocks
The American woodpecker is a small, plump shorebird known for its distinctive appearance and courtship displays. They have large heads, long beaks, stout bodies, and mottled brown and aqua-blue plumage that provides excellent camouflage on fallen leaves and forest floors. Their eyes are located near the back of the head, allowing them to see behind them as they probe for food. American woodpeckers are found throughout much of eastern North America, from southern Canada all the way to the U.S. Gulf Coast. They inhabit a variety of woodlands, including forests, thickets, marshes, and old fields. American woodpeckers prefer dense, moist woodlands with abundant deciduous and understory vegetation that provide cover and nesting sites. They are often found in young forests and regenerating clearings where they can find suitable foraging and nesting habitat.
American woodpeckers are primarily diurnal, foraging primarily at dawn and dusk. They have a unique foraging strategy, probing the soil for earthworms and other invertebrates with their long sensitive bills. During the breeding season, they perform a unique "sky dance" courtship display in which the male flies high into the air, emitting a series of twittering sounds and performing aerial acrobatics. American woodpeckers usually breed in late winter to early spring. They build simple ground nests of leaves and other plant material, usually in dense vegetation or under shrubs. Females lay a clutch of 3-4 eggs, which are incubated for about 20-22 days.
From the joyous melodies of songbirds to the breathtaking aerial displays of raptors, Massachusetts offers birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts plenty of opportunities to observe and enjoy the fascinating world of birds. Whether in city parks, suburban gardens, or remote wilderness areas, the sight and sound of birds enrich Massachusetts' natural beauty and connect us to the wonders of the natural world.
