Black-capped Chickadee – Maine State Bird
Maine is a great place to watch and feed birds. Birdbaths, misters and drippers are especially effective in attracting birds, including non seed-eating species.
Species that might be expected at feeders include: American Goldfinch, Carolina Wren, Black-capped Chickadee, Blue Jay, Downy Woodpecker, Northern Cardinal and Mourning Dove. Each of these species is shown in the Nifty Fifty mini-guide.
On this page
The Nifty Fifty Birds of Maine
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of Maine. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of Maine.
Bird feeding
Developing bird-friendly habitat in your yard is the best way to attract a greater variety of species and to support local and migrating species. Native plants provide food and cover, are more insect and disease resistant than non-native species, and may require less water. A list of bird-friendly native plants for Maine are available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds of Maine
Eastern Bluebirds summer and nest in Maine. One or two broods may be produced each year.
The Eastern Bluebird has a pleasant, musical song and a similar easy-to-identify flight call. They are most often found in open woodlands, parks, fields, along golf courses and cemeteries. The can be found in suburban areas with adequate open space.
Eastern Bluebirds
Bluebirds can be attracted to peanut butter mixes, suet and fruit. Raisins soaked in hot water to soften them are well received. The bluebird’s special favorite is mealworms.
Nesting
In Maine, nesting commences as early as March and continues well into the summer. One and sometimes two or even three broods are produced.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds in Maine
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits Maine. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. It flies across the Gulf of Mexico twice each year.
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Purple Martins in Maine
Purple Martins arrive in Maine in late spring, returning from their wintering grounds in South America. Check the Purple Martin section for information on martins in Maine.
Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martins are near the northern part of their summer range in Maine. Martin houses should be opened in late April to early May. Nesting will be complete in mid-summer, after which they will form into large roosts before migrating to South America.
Purple Martin
Birding
Maine provides birders with a variety of exciting birding locations.
The birding section of this site has tips on birding locations and bird identification. The state-based birding information section provides additional birding related information.
Maine Resource Information
Downeast Chapter of Maine
P.O. Box 5267
Ellsworth, ME 04605
207-326-8055
Fundy Chapter
482 Leighton Road
Pembroke, ME 04666
207-726-9664
Merrymeeting Audubon Society
P.O. Box 544
Bath, ME 04530-0544
Mid Coast Audubon Society
37 Youngsville Road
Lincolnville, ME 04049
Penobscot Valley Chapter
Fields Pond Nature Center
216 Fields Pond Road
Holden, ME 04429
Western Maine Society
P.O. Box 832
Farmington, ME 04938
York County Audubon Society
PO Box 387
Kennebunk, ME 04043
Maine Birding Festivals
Down East Spring Birding Festival
Usually in May
Cobscook Bay Area
Whiting, Maine
Phone: 207-733-2201
E-Mail: info@cobscookbay.com
Held annually over Memorial Day weekend. Have you been to the eastern-most “Important Bird Area of the United States”? See Atlantic Puffins, Boreal species, two dozen warblers, and a host of other species in their breeding plumage. In May 2005, participants found 176 different birds! Registration limited to 100 participants. Guided hikes and boat trips and presentations. Supported by Cobscook Bay Area Chamber of Commerce and other local organizations.
Acadia Birding Festival
Usually in June
Mount Desert Island, SW Harbor &
Bar Harbor, Maine
Phone: 207-288-5103
E-Mail: visitors@barharborinfo.com
Acadia’s birding community invites you and your family to celebrate the ecological wonders of the birds of the Gulf of Maine. Explore Mount Desert Island and its birds through numerous events and venues. Greet our warblers on early morning birding walks, visit with puffins and pelagic birds at sea, and observe Peregrine Falcons at an active breeding site in Acadia National Park. Our combination of lectures, walks, and adventures will connect you to Downeast Maine’s many bird species, diverse habitats and local birding experts.