Birdwatching is a hobby everyone can enjoy and you do not need much in terms of supplies – just look out the window and see what birds are visiting your backyard.
Have you ever wondered what birds you are most likely to see?
In Massachusetts, the most commonly seen bird is the black-capped chickadee, a small fluff of a bird that has a white and grey body and a blackhead.
In the summer or winter, this little bird can be found across the entire state from the Housatonic River to Cape Cod, and Andover to New Bedford.
In this article, we will share a variety of birds that Massachusetts has to offer from the most common to the rarest, the largest birds found on land, birds that may be found common in your backyard or common on the water, springtime and wintertime birds and much more.
What Is the State Bird of Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is unique in that it has two state birds – the black-capped chickadee and the turkey.
The unquestioned, most common bird in Massachusetts is the black-capped chickadee, designated in 1941 as the official state bird.
Massachusetts first Thanksgiving, held in Plymouth, famously included turkey in 1621; the turkey was designated the official state game bird in 1991.
What Birds Are in Massachusetts in Winter?
Although many birds fly south to spend the winter in a warmer part of the world, there are also a few small birds who will stay up north when it gets cold and hunker down through the winter snow and cold.
In Massachusetts, you may see a few small birds among the icy branches hanging on the tree when leaves are completely absent.
The most common overwintering birds we see are:
- black capped chickadee
- Northern cardinal
- tufted titmouse
- dark eyed junco
- and white breasted nuthatch
Is It Okay to Feed Birds in Massachusetts?
Hanging a bird feeder in your backyard that is filled with seeds is alluring because you can attract colorful birds.
There are no laws saying you cannot feed birds but it is reasonable to follow any sort of news about feeding birds. Sometimes, the news will recommend that you avoid feeding birds or even take down your feeders.
For example, in July of this past summer, the Audubon Society recommended that residents in Massachusetts take down their bird feeders while an unknown disease caused by a virus was killing birds.
Though the case remains unknown, the Audubon Society cleared people to hang their feeders back up in late August.
What Is the Rarest Bird in Massachusetts?
Though seagulls are ubiquitous along the long stretches of coast found in Massachusetts, perhaps the rarest bird the state has to offer could appear mixed in on a beach or marsh along with one of its more common relatives.
Among the rare bird populations within the state, two species include the California gull and Franklin’s gull, but they may be seen mixed in among some unique gulls species, such as the great black-backed gull, laughing gull, herring gull, and ring-billed gull.
What Kind of Sparrows Live in Massachusetts?
American tree sparrows, a familiar sight at our feeders during winter, spend the winter in Massachusetts, enjoying our suet and sunflower seed!
While not a guaranteed visitor in winter, chipping sparrows will be seen in the warmer months!
House sparrows are common park birds and urban birds. If you live in the city, these birds are still seen hopping around the city on warm winter days.
Song sparrows are one of the most common spring and summer sparrows, known for their sweet song and song phrases.
You Never Know: While you are mostly likely to see these in the warm weather of spring and summer, they do overwinter here in Massachusetts and the surrounding area. Never out of the question for your feeder in snowy months.
What Are the Top Ten Most Common Backyard Birds Found in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts has a diverse range of habitats for birds, and your own backyard can be an excellent home to dozens of bird species.
Top ten most common birds you might see on your own property:
- Black capped chickadee
- American robin
- Blue jay
- Northern cardinal
- Song sparrow
- American crow
- Mourning dove
- American goldfinch
- Tufted titmouse
- Downy woodpecker
How Many Bird Species Are There in Massachusetts?
Based on the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife’s state ornithologist, there are 448 species of birds that are recognized to inhabit this state.
A species is considered an avian resident of Massachusetts if there is enough evidence to support a specimen being collected, observed or photographed, and support of the accuracy of the identification by three reliable observers.
There are therefore very specific protocols to identify resident birds.
What Is the Largest Bird Found in Massachusetts?
The bald eagle is undoubtedly the largest bird species to inhabit the state of Massachusetts with a wingspan that can reach seven feet.
These majestic birds of prey are classified as protected wildlife, and it is rare to get close to their nests.
They usually can be spotted in winter, when trees are bare, but occasionally they can be spotted in the summer as well.
What Is the Most Common Hawk Found in Massachusetts?
The red-tailed hawk is one of the most frequently seen hawks in Massachusetts and you can generally always find them flying around or perched somewhere in your town at any time of year.
A red-tailed hawk is most commonly observed when it is circling for prey over open fields or perched on a telephone pole while you are driving down a road.
Keep in mind that red-tailed hawks are most active during dusk, when all their prey, usually small mammals, begin to come out, so pay attention as it gets dark and you might see them.
What Is the Most Common Water Bird Found in Massachusetts?
If you spend time on one of the many rivers, lakes, or the coast of Massachusetts, the most abundant water bird you will see there is a mallard duck.
Fun fact: Males and females have such distinctive colors that you will not confuse their gender, with males having a bright green head, brown body, and white tail, and females having a mottled brown color.
What Birds Are Most Commonly Sighted in the Spring in Massachusetts?
Although winter provides beautiful landscape bird watching opportunities amongst the snow, spring is a spectacular time to observe birds in Massachusetts.
Here’s a list of some of the most common birds you might see in the warmer spring season:
- Red winged blackbirds
- Northern mockingbirds
- Great blue herons
- Eastern phoebes
- Downy woodpeckers
- Chipping sparrows
- Carolina wrens
- Blue jays
- Baltimore orioles
- American goldfinches
- Brown headed cowbirds
- Black capped chickadees
- American robins
- Eastern bluebirds
- Common grackles
- Cedar waxwings
- Mourning doves
- Northern cardinals
- European starlings
- White breasted nuthatches
Final Thoughts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is home to a myriad of diverse species of birds that can be seen flying about and nesting.
You’re likely to spot the black capped chickadee, the state bird, almost anywhere in the state while the rare California gull may randomly show up while you are sunning at the coast.
Even the brightly colored cardinals, blue jays, goldfinches, and much more will no doubt visit your backyard’s bird feeder year round from the sunny spring to snowy winter.
Whether you’re a beginner bird watcher or a seasoned ornithologist, Massachusetts is saturated with many opportunities to attempt to spot the nearly 500 species of birds that live in this Northeastern United States.