25 Backyard Birds Of Maine

Maine, the northernmost state in New England and the easternmost state in the United States, has a lot more to offer than lobsters and lighthouses. This beautiful part of North America might get cold during the winter, but it is a state that is full of thousands of different animal species, as well as almost 300 species of birds alone!

Not all birds in Maine will frequent your backyard feeder, but our 25 backyard birds of Maine will if the food incentive is good enough! These 25 backyard birds of Maine can be seen in places ranging from the city to the deep forest, but they can be seen right in our own yards at times. 

In this post, we’ll share common Maine birds, as well as some important information about them so you can identify them yourself!

25 Backyard Birds Of Maine

These 25 backyard birds are certainly not all the bird species that reside in the great state of Maine, but they are some of the most common birds that are frequently spotted in backyards. 

We’ll share the size, diet, and where to spot each of these birds, as well as some other relevant information, so you can enjoy your Maine birdwatching to the fullest. 

1. Mourning Dove

Mourning Doves are easily recognizable, and both male and females of the species look nearly identical. Their bodies are spherical, chubby, gray, and have long tails. The Mourning Dove also has quite a round head. Their wings are covered in black dots.

Mourning Doves frequently appear first at fully-stocked backyard bird feeders in the morning, and if you provide them with enough food, they may even build a nest in your yard! These doves can care for multiple broods during the breeding season.

The deep, melancholy cooing call of the mourning dove is easily identified by both amateur and expert bird watchers. Another fun fact about these feeder birds is that they can drink brackish water (water that is more saline than freshwater), making it easier for them to live in hot climates.

2. Northern Cardinal

The Northern Cardinal is always a joy to observe, regardless of how experienced you are or how new you are to birdwatching. No matter how common they are, the Cardinal is always a beautiful sight, especially in the winter.

Unlike many bird species, it isn’t just the male Northern Cardinal who sings. Females of the species have their own unique songs!

Male Cardinals are distinguished by their vivid red bodies, black masks, and pronounced feather crests on their heads.

Female cardinals have a similar appearance and feather crest; however, their bodies are primarily made of brown and gray with red hues present on the wings and head.

3. Blue Jay

One backyard bird of Maine that might surprise you with its family connections is the Blue Jay. These bright birds are actually in the Corvidae family with Ravens, and are similarly intelligent with complex social structures.

The Blue Jay is yet another stunning bird with attitude, which means that no matter how beautiful they are, many backyard bird watchers prefer to keep Blue Jays away from their yards.

These Jays will empty a bird feeder in no time, and run off any other bird that tries to make them share. 

As their name suggests, these birds are primarily blue. The Blue Jay’s body is largely covered in blue, white, black, and white patterns, and its head has a noticeable crest.

Males and females look similar, while males tend to be larger than females.

4. American Robin

A dedicated worm eater, the American Robin can often be seen after rainstorms collecting earthworms that have emerged. With their habit of rising early with the sun, their powder-blue eggs, and fast flying speeds, the American Robin is truly an interesting specimen.

The American Robin has an orange belly, a black head, and a brown body. This color scheme is shared by the male and female of the species, though the females can be a little more dull. 

5. American Crow

A large bird with a lot of recognizable behaviors is the American Crow. They have a vast range across the country and are recognized for being very bright and cunning. Crows are so smart that they’ve even been observed using basic tools!

From their legs to their beaks, American crows are all black. When the sun hits them just right, you can see shades of blue or purple in some crows. 

6. Song Sparrow

Because of their adaptability, song sparrows are among the most widespread birds in the United States. The Song Sparrow can survive in a variety of habitats, including mountains and dense woods.

Song Sparrows have intricate head plumage patterns and are gray-brown on top with dark brown striping on their chest.

Between the hues of gray and brown, there is quite a bit of diversity in terms of both darkness and color saturation within its spectrum.

Male and females look alike, although males tend to be larger than females.

7. House Finch

Small and brown, the House Finch is set apart from other birds by their rosy red heads and chests. Females are brown without the red coloring.

House Finches are frequently spotted at bird feeders around New England. They weren’t native to the Eastern United States until they were unintentionally released in New York in the 1910s, just like the European Starling, but they don’t have as much of a negative reputation as Starlings do.

One state they aren’t as welcome is Hawaii, where invasive birds like the House Finch have become a major problem for local wildlife. 

8. American Goldfinch

The American Goldfinch is a bird species that is appreciated for its vivid beauty and is yellow like the spring blossoms. Although they are little, as is normal for finches, their vibrant colors make them rather obvious.

Only male American Goldfinches are yellow. They have a mostly yellow body, a black hat, and black borders on their wings.

Females are a less noticeable dull yellow-green color.

If you hear someone referring to a wild canary, it’s actually the American Goldfinch!

9. Downy Woodpecker

The most common woodpecker in the United States is the Downy Woodpecker, and they can often be found flitting around the trunks of trees in Maine. 

The characteristic black, white, and color scheme that is prevalent in many woodpeckers is present in the Downy Woodpecker.

Males have short, sharp beaks, black and white striped wings, and a little, red cap on their heads. Females lack the red cap on their heads.

These little woodpeckers have some impressive protection! They have shields on their nostrils to protect them from inhaling wood chips, and padding around their brain to keep it safe during pecking.

10. Hairy Woodpecker

If other creatures leave behind a hole sap-filled tree, there’s a good chance you’ll see a Hairy Woodpecker enjoying some of the sticky sweet treat!

The Hairy woodpecker, a bigger version of the Downy woodpecker with a stronger beak, is rarer than its smaller relative.

Other than having a black and white body and a red-capped head, they resemble the Downy woodpecker nearly exactly.

11. European Starling

The European Starling might be easy to see in Maine, but they may not be the most welcome backyard birds.

Starlings are black, yet when the sun shines on them, their feathers glisten in shades of blue and purple. Their plumage resembles the night sky because it is speckled with tiny white spots. Females are duller than males.

Although European Starlings are beautiful to observe, especially in the bright sun, did you know that they are an invasive species?

The millions of European Starlings in North America, which are not native to the United States but rather to Europe, are descended from a small population that was introduced there in the 1800s.

12. Purple Finch

More colorful than the House Finch, the Purple Finch was described by famous ornithologist Roger Tory Peterson, as “A sparrow dipped in raspberry juice”, and we think that description is pretty accurate!

These jam-colored finches are often mistaken for the House Finch, but there are some key differences.

The Purple Finch has a richer, more shimmering red or purple color that descends farther on the body than the House Finch. Only the males sport the purple color, while females are brown. 

13. Tufted Titmouse

These adorable chubby birds are also some of the smallest in the United States.

Both the male and female Tufted Titmouse are solid gray, about the size of a Finch, with a lighter belly than back. On their heads, they have a crest made of gray feathers.

While the Tufted Titmouse is one of the smallest birds around, they are relatively long-lived as far as wild birds go, with some being recorded reaching the ripe old age of 13!

14. Red-Breasted Nuthatch

In Maine, the Red-breasted Nuthatch will spend a lot of its time in high elevations, and even in the mountains, but they’ll venture into backyards for their favorite foods, like suet. 

Unique with a striking head pattern of black and white, blue-gray upper parts, and an orange belly. Females have a paler crown and a duller belly.

Even though the temperature in Maine is frigid at times, the Red-breasted Nuthatch stays year-round. 

15. Red-Winged Blackbird

Seeing a Red-winged Blackbird in Maine might be exciting, but these territorial little birds can become aggressive fast, especially if their nests are nearby. 

Male Red-winged Blackbirds have shoulder patches that are orange and yellow while the rest of their plumage is a lustrous black.

Females have a completely different appearance, with brown bodies and feather patterns like those of sparrows.

In the woodland, Red-winged Blackbirds are not to be found. They reproduce and spend most of their time in tall grass or grain fields.

Male Red-winged Blackbirds are quite popular with the ladies, some of them having up to 15 nests with different females during the breeding season.

16. Gray Catbird

While they get their name from their mewling call, the Gray Catbird is quite the accomplished vocalist. They can produce 100 different sounds, and sing exceptionally long songs during the mating season. 

The tail feathers of Gray Catbirds sparkle with copper, and they are a solid, gunmetal gray color with a dark black cap on top of their heads.

Gray Catbirds are migratory birds, and summer is when they are most likely to be spotted in Maine.

17. Chipping Sparrow

While they only weigh 13 grams on average, the Chipping Sparrow has to eat a massive amount of food during the winter. Over the course of a single cold season, they will eat over 2 pounds of seed!

The Chipping Sparrow has white and black patterns all over its reddish-brown body. They stand out from other sparrows thanks to their striped wings and copper-colored crown on top of the head.

As long as a birdfeeder is filled and protected from predators, Chipping Sparrows will visit it. For these little eating machines, all seed is fair game!

18. White-Throated Sparrow

The White-throated Sparrow is usually seen with its trademark yellow head stripe, but some variations of the species can have a copper band instead.

The White-throated Sparrow has a completely gray belly, white chin, and a head with black and white stripes.

Their wings are striped in a pattern of deeper and lighter brown. Above their eyes, they have a yellow patch.

19. Common Grackle

Relatively large with a loud, grating call, the Common Grackle is one of the common backyard birds that can be either loved or hated, depending on what kind of birds you like at your feeder.

Grackles are dark all over, but starting at the neck and moving up over their heads they have a blue or purple iridescent sheen. Females are not as shiny as males.

The Grackle can, unfortunately, be a bully at times, but if you prefer birds with big personalities, the Grackle might end up being a personal favorite. 

20. Red-Eyed Vireo

An often seen bird in the forests of the Eastern United States, the Red-eyed Vireo is especially well known in Maine. 

The Red-eyed Vireo is olive-green and white, with a white, gray, and black head design. Males and females look similar.

While the Vireo doesn’t indulge in long ballads, their short songs come often enough to be noticed. Some male Red-eyed Vireo will sing up to 20,000 songs a day!

21. Cedar Waxwing

The Cedar Waxwings will ingest insects if they need a quick hit of protein, but other than that, they eat fruit almost exclusively. 

The black masks, yellow bellies, and red dots on the wings of these brown birds are distinctive features. They have a striking head crest as well.

These birds are often seen during the snowy Maine winters and don’t fear the cold weather at all. 

22. Barn Swallow

Although they might fly like aerial aces, the Barn Swallow is a caring parent as well as a beautiful sight to see. 

The bodies of male barn swallows are sapphire blue, while their throats are orange. The color pattern on the females is similar, although it is more faded out.

Before people took over the Barn Swallow’s habitat, they likely built their nests in trees or on the underside of cliffs. Now, though, they nest almost exclusively in barns or on bridges, making the most of their proximity to people. 

23. Northern Flicker

The Northern Flicker may appear to be a dull-colored bird at first look, but as they expand their wings and tail feathers to fly, there is no doubting how dazzling they can really be.

In Eastern states such as Maine, you can see Yellow-shafted Northern Flickers, but in the Western states, you can see Red-shafted Northern Flickers.

If you see Northern Flickers in your backyard, they’re more likely to be foraging off the ground instead of in the trees.

The bodies of Northern Flickers are brown and gray with a black collar, and they are covered in black spots all over. Northern Flickers in the East, like those in Maine, have yellow under feathers. Males have a black mustache.

In the West, Red-shafted Northern Flickers have red under feathers. Red-shafted males have a red mustache.

24. Northern Mockingbird

As its name suggests, the Northern Mockingbird will mimic other birds and sounds it hears and combine them into its songs. Its population is increasing again after being a common pet bird in the early 1900s.

The wings of Northern Mockingbirds have black and white borders. Both the males and females are a solid gray with a paler belly.

The Northern Mockingbird is well renowned for its intriguing vocalizations as well as how fiercely they protect their nests and young.

25. Dark-eyed Junco

In Maine, large flocks of the Dark-eyed Junco are most frequently spotted throughout the winter. Unlike other birds, dark-eyed juncos build their nests on the ground rather than in trees.

The tiny Junco has a lighter gray lower body and a darker gray upper body. In other cases, rust will be used in place of the lighter gray. Both male and female Dark-eyed Junco look similar. 

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Final Thoughts: 25 Backyard Birds Of Maine

Whether your favorite backyard bird is the beautiful Northern Cardinal or the Barn Swallow, there’s sure to be a bird on this list that will make your yard feel like home.

If you want to attract backyard birds to your yard in Maine, be sure to put out some bird feeders and fill them with a variety of foods. You might be surprised at which birds show up! Keep your eyes peeled and you’re sure to spot some of these beautiful backyard birds.