Maine is the northeasternmost state of the United States of America. It is famous for its marine history and rocky coastline. Read below to know everything associated with the backyard birds of Maine.
State Bird of Maine
In 1927, the Black-capped Chickadee was declared as the state bird of Maine. The Black-capped Chickadee is the most commonly seen at backyard bird feeders and in the woods throughout the Maine state.
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Backyard Birds of Maine
● Over 448 different bird species can be easily spotted in Maine all around the year.
● 2 bird species have been declared extinct, 5 species have been introduced and established, and 10 are considered hypothetical.
● State sharing common bird species – New Hampshire.
● Backyard birds of Maine range from the Bay-breasted Warbler (less frequent) to the Black-capped Chickadee (most frequent).
Attracting Birds to Your Maine Backyard
5 of the best ways to attract backyard birds:
- Native plants such as Pagoda dogwood, American witch-hazel, and Red columbine
- Food such as suet cakes, peanuts, and, cornmeal
- Nestboxes
- Water
Fun Bird Watching Activities for Your Backyard
Bird-watching is a fun activity because it can uplift your emotional well-being. Try the following fun bird activities that might persuade you to become an avid birdwatcher:
● Motivate yourself and participate in the great backyard bird count.
● Be the helper for the little birds. You as well as the backyard birds will cherish it.
Identifying Backyard Birds
Top helpful hints for identifying backyard birds:
- Begin from the top of the head to the bottom and back of the body.
- Browse through the field guide.
- Practice with your binoculars.
- Listen to song recordings of birds.
- Make sketches and notes.
- Reap benefits from more cooperative backyard birds.
- Observe each bird and use memory devices.
Purple Finch
The Purple Finch is a purple-red finch that lives in eastern North America. They also have a large beak that they use to crack open seeds. The Purple Finch makes a warbling sound but can often mimic other birds like the Barn Swallow or Brown-headed Cowbird.
White-breasted Nuthatch
The White-breasted Nuthatch is white but also has black and gray markings. These Nuthatches are active and enjoy eating insects and large seeds. The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird with a loud voice. They can be found throughout North American, near deciduous trees.
American Goldfinch
The American Goldfinch is found all over North America. The Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington. American Goldfinches are bright yellow in color with some shiny black and white. Most bird feeders will attract the Goldfinch. They are vegetarians and love sunflower seeds. The Goldfinch is the only finch that molts its body feathers twice per year, once in the winter and then in the summer.
Blue Jay
The Blue Jay is a common songbird with a noisy call. They are known for their beautiful blue and white color. Blue Jays also have rounded wings and a long tail. They are smart and stay together with their family. Blue Jays are found in the Midwest and the Eastern United States. Blue Jays love to play with acorns. Sometimes Blue Jays will imitate the sound of a hawk to scare other birds away.
American Robin
The American Robin can be found in yards and gardens across North America. They enjoy eating earthworms right out of the ground in the morning and fruit in the afternoon. American Robins have a round, orange chest. Their feathers are grey-brown in color. You can hear the Robin if you listen for their clear whistle. Female Robins often sleep in the nest while the male Robin goes out to gather.
Hairy Woodpecker
Hairy Woodpeckers are black and white with two white stripes on their head. They are found throughout North America. They have declined in their population, but are still fairly common. These Woodpeckers make their habitat in forests, shade trees, and river groves. Hairy Woodpeckers eat insects but can be found eating sunflower seeds in backyard feeders. Hairy Woodpeckers are permanent residents, but those that live in the north move south for the winter.
European Starling
The European Starling is the most numerous songbird found throughout North America. They are an all-black bird with short tails, a pointed bill, and triangular wings. Although in the winter, they are covered with white spots. European Starlings are sometimes viewed as aggressive as they run along the ground.
Bird Feeders that Attract Backyard Birds
Tube-type, hanging feeders attract Chickadees, American Goldfinches, and a wide range of other backyard birds. Tube feeders allow Goldfinches to prevent competition with Grackles and Blue Jays which take over platform feeders. Redpolls and Pine Siskins can also be attracted by tube feeders, given they are in range.
Final Words
We believe that you are now aware of the backyard birds of Maine and everything related to them. Next time when backyard birds come chirping across your yard, snap a picture of them and send us. Will you?
