Purple Finch – New Hampshire State Bird
New Hampshire 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 New Hampshire
The Nifty Fifty is a mini-guide to the birds of New Hampshire. It includes descriptions, images, video and songs of 50 of the most often observed birds of New Hampshire.
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 New Hampshire is available by following the link on the left.
Bluebirds
The Eastern Bluebird is the only one of the 3 bluebird species regularly found in New Hampshire.
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
The Eastern Bluebird begins nesting in New Hampshire in early to mid- spring. One and sometimes two broods may be produced each year.
Visit the bluebird section for detailed information on feeding bluebirds or building your own bluebird house.
Hummingbirds in New Hampshire
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only species that regularly visits New Hampshire. It nests in the state each year, before migrating south. In a remarkable journey for such a tiny bird, it migrates across the Gulf of Mexico twice each year.
Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Visit the hummingbird section for details on attracting hummingbirds as well as images of all regularly occurring North American hummingbirds.
Purple Martins
Purple Martins arrive in New Hampshire each spring, returning from their wintering grounds in South America. Detailed Purple Martin information is available in the Purple Martin section.
Purple Martin – male
Birding
New Hampshire 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.
New Hampshire Resource Information
New Hampshire Birding Festivals
Loon Festival
3rd Saturday of July
Moultonboro, New Hampshire
Phone: 603-476-5666
E-mail: [email protected]
We will have live music from the old time country music band, The Railroad Express. There will be various other exhibits, face painting, children’s games and crafts and free food, while it lasts. The festival will be 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The Annual Loon Census will run from 8-9 a.m. statewide. Anyone wishing to participate can download a form from our web site or call to have one mailed.
Other resources and locations
If you have suggestions for additional birding resources in New Hampshire, from web sites to your favorite birding location, submit your information using the following form. You can cut and paste large amounts if text into the information field. Birding locations are the most desired, but any good resource on New Hampshire birds is welcomed.