• Source: List of birds of Maine

      • This list of birds of Maine is a comprehensive listing of all the bird species recorded in the U.S. state of Maine. This list is published by the Maine Bird Records Committee (MBRC) and is dated December 2022.
      This list contains 470 documented species, of which 141 are rare or accidental, five have been introduced and are established, and three are extinct. Two species were introduced but did not become established, two are regularly released, and ten are hypothetical as defined below. These 14 are not included in the 470 documented species. Additional rare species have been added from another source.
      This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 62nd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS). Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them.
      Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in Maine as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants. The following tags are used to designate some species:

      (R) Rare or accidental - birds that if seen require more comprehensive documentation than regularly seen species. These birds are considered rare or accidental in Maine.
      (I) Introduced - a species introduced to North America by the actions of humans, either directly or indirectly
      (E) Extinct - a recent species that no longer exists
      (H) Hypothetical - species whose records "lack physical documentation, whether by specimen, photograph, or recording, or involve descriptions that are only partially adequate" per the MBRC
      (FI) Failed introduced - species that "bred for some years in Maine but never became established" per the MBRC
      (NE) Not established - species "routinely released or escaped ... not established or known to be natural vagrants" per the MBRC


      Ducks, geese, and waterfowl


      Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
      The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. Forty-seven species have been recorded in Maine.



















      New World quail


      Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
      The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (NE)


      Pheasants, grouse, and allies


      Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
      Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. Turkeys have a distinctive fleshy wattle that hangs from the underside of the beak and a fleshy protuberance that hangs from the top of its beak called a snood. As with many galliform species, the female (the hen) is smaller than the male (the tom) and much less colorful. With wingspans of 1.5–1.8 meters (almost 6 feet), the turkeys are the largest birds in the open forests in which they live and are rarely mistaken for any other species. Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are game and are sometimes hunted for food. Males are polygamous and have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents and do not migrate. Eight species have been recorded in Maine.

      Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (extirpated, reintroduced)
      Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus
      Spruce grouse, Canachites canadensis
      Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (R)
      Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (H)
      Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (FI)
      Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)
      Chukar, Alectoris chukar (NE)


      Grebes


      Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
      Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Six species have been recorded in Maine.

      Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps
      Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
      Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
      Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (R)
      Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R)
      Clark's grebe, Aechmorphorus clarkii (R)


      Pigeons and doves


      Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
      Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Six species have been recorded in Maine.

      Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)
      Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (R)
      Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (I) (R)
      Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (E)
      White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica
      Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura


      Cuckoos


      Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
      The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus
      Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus


      Nightjars and allies


      Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
      Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in Maine.

      Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor
      Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis (R)
      Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus


      Swifts


      Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
      The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica


      Hummingbirds



      Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
      Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. Four species have been recorded in Maine.

      Mexican violetear, Colibri thalassinus (R)
      Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris
      Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope (R)
      Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (R)
      Broad-tailed hummingbird, Selasphorus platycercus (R)


      Rails, gallinules, and coots



      Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
      Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. Nine species have been recorded in Maine.

      Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (R)
      King rail, Rallus elegans (R)
      Virginia rail, Rallus limicola
      Sora, Porzana carolina
      Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata
      American coot, Fulica americana
      Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus
      Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)
      Corn crake, Crex crex (R)


      Cranes


      Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
      Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis


      Stilts and avocets


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
      Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (R)
      American avocet, Recurvirostra americana


      Oystercatchers


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
      The oystercatchers are large, obvious, and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prising open molluscs. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus


      Plovers and lapwings


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
      The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Eleven species have been recorded in Maine.

      Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (R)
      Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
      European golden-plover, Pluvialis apricaria (R)
      American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
      Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva (R)
      Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus
      Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (R)
      Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
      Piping plover, Charadrius melodus
      Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (R)
      Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (R)


      Sandpipers and allies



      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
      Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Thirty-eight species have been recorded in Maine.


      Skuas and jaegers


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
      They are in general medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Five species have been recorded in Maine.

      Great skua, Stercorarius skua
      South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki
      Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
      Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
      Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (R)


      Auks, murres, and puffins


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
      Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits. However, they are only distantly related to the penguins and are able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. Nine species have been recorded in Maine.

      Dovekie, Alle alle
      Common murre, Uria aalge
      Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia
      Razorbill, Alca torda
      Great auk, Pinguinus impennis (E)
      Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle
      Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus (R)
      Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica
      Tufted puffin, Fratercula cirrhata (R)


      Gulls, terns, and skimmers


      Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
      Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have longish bills and webbed feet. Thirty species have been recorded in Maine.


      Tropicbirds


      Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
      Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (R)
      Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (R)


      Loons



      Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
      Loons are aquatic birds, the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body. Four species have been recorded in Maine.

      Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
      Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (R)
      Common loon, Gavia immer
      Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (R)


      Albatrosses


      Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
      The albatrosses are amongst the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (R)
      Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris (R)


      Southern storm-petrels



      Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
      The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's three species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae. One species has been recorded in Maine

      Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus


      Northern storm-petrels


      Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
      Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous
      Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (H)


      Shearwaters and petrels



      Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
      The Procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. Nine species have been recorded in Maine.

      Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis
      Cape petrel, Daption capense (H)
      Trindade petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana (R)
      White-chinned petrel, Procellaria aequinoctialis (R)
      Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
      Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
      Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
      Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus
      Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (R)
      Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (H)


      Storks


      Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
      Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills, and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Wood stork, Mycteria americana (R)


      Frigatebirds


      Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
      Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Lesser frigatebird, Fregata ariel (R)
      Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (R)


      Boobies and gannets


      Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
      The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (R)
      Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (R)
      Northern gannet, Morus bassanus


      Cormorants and shags


      Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
      Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin, and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
      Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum


      Pelicans


      Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
      Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
      Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (R)


      Herons, egrets, and bitterns



      Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
      The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises, and spoonbills. Thirteen species have been recorded in Maine.

      American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus
      Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis
      Great blue heron, Ardea herodias
      Great egret, Ardea alba
      Little egret, Egretta garzetta (R)
      Western reef-heron, Egretta gularis (R)
      Snowy egret, Egretta thula
      Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea
      Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor
      Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis
      Green heron, Butorides virescens
      Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax
      Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea


      Ibises and spoonbills


      Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
      The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. Four species have been recorded in Maine.

      White ibis, Eudocimus albus (R)
      Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus
      White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (R if outside York and Cumberland Counties)
      Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (R)


      New World vultures


      Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
      The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Black vulture, Coragyps atratus
      Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura


      Osprey


      Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
      Pandionidae is a family of fish-eating birds of prey possessing a very large, powerful hooked beak for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. The family is monotypic.

      Osprey, Pandion haliaetus


      Hawks, eagles, and kites



      Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
      Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey which includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight.
      Seventeen species have been recorded in Maine.

      Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (R)
      Greater spotted eagle, Clanga clanga (R) (not on the AOS Check-list)
      Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
      Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius
      Western marsh-harrier, Circus aeruginosus (R)
      Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus
      Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii
      American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus
      Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
      Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus
      Steller's sea-eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus (R)
      Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (R)
      Great black hawk, Buteogallus urubitinga (R)
      Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus
      Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus
      Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (R)
      Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus (R)
      Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis
      Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus


      Barn-owls


      Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
      Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Barn owl, Tyto furcata (R)


      Owls



      Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
      Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Twelve species have been recorded in Maine.

      Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio (R except in York County)
      Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus
      Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
      Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula
      Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (R)
      Barred owl, Strix varia
      Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa
      Tawny owl, Strix aluco (R) (not on the AOS Check-list)
      Long-eared owl, Asio otus
      Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus
      Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (R)
      Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus


      Kingfishers


      Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
      Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon


      Woodpeckers


      Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
      Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Ten species have been recorded in Maine.

      Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus
      Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus
      Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius
      American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis
      Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus
      Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens
      Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus
      Lesser spotted woodpecker, Dryobates minor (R) (not on the AOS Check-list)
      Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus
      Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus


      Falcons and caracaras


      Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
      Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Five species have been recorded in Maine.

      Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (R)
      American kestrel, Falco sparverius
      Merlin, Falco columbarius
      Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
      Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus


      New World and African parrots


      Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae
      Parrots are small to large birds with a characteristic curved beak. Their upper mandibles have slight mobility in the joint with the skull and they have a generally erect stance. All parrots are zygodactyl, having the four toes on each foot placed two at the front and two to the back. Most of the more than 150 species in this family are found in the New World. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I) (FI)


      Tyrant flycatchers



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
      Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. Twenty-one species have been recorded in Maine.


      Vireos, shrike-babblers, and erpornis


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
      The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in Maine.

      White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus
      Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (R)
      Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons
      Cassin's vireo, Vireo cassinii (R)
      Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius
      Plumbeous vireo, Vireo plumbeus (R)
      Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
      Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus
      Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus


      Shrikes


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
      Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (R) extirpated
      Northern shrike, Lanius borealis


      Crows, jays, and magpies



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
      The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Seven species have been recorded in Maine.

      Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis
      Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata
      Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia (H)
      Eurasian jackdaw, Coloeus monedula (H)
      American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos
      Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus
      Common raven, Corvus corax


      Tits, chickadees, and titmice


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
      The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in Maine.

      Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla
      Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica
      Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor


      Larks


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
      Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris


      Swallows


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
      The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Seven species have been recorded in Maine.

      Bank swallow, Riparia riparia
      Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor
      Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (R)
      Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis
      Purple martin, Progne subis
      Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica
      Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota
      Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (R)


      Kinglets


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
      The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula
      Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa


      Waxwings


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
      The waxwings are a group of birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
      Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum


      Nuthatches


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
      Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can go only upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet. Two species have been recorded in Maine.

      Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis
      White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis


      Treecreepers


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
      Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed down-curved bills which they use to extricate insects from bark. Like woodpeckers, they have stiff tail feathers which they use to support themselves on vertical trees. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Brown creeper, Certhia americana


      Gnatcatchers


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
      These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. Many species have distinctive black head patterns (especially males) and long, regularly cocked, black-and-white tails. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea


      Wrens


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
      Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin down-turned bills. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Seven species have been recorded in Maine.

      Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (R)
      House wren, Troglodytes aedon
      Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis
      Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis (R)
      Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris
      Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus
      Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (H)


      Mockingbirds and thrashers


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
      The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. Four species have been recorded in Maine.

      Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis
      Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum
      Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (R)
      Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos


      Starlings


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
      Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)


      Thrushes and allies



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
      The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Thirteen species have been recorded in Maine.

      Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis
      Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (R)
      Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi
      Veery, Catharus fuscescens
      Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
      Bicknell's thrush, Catharus bicknelli
      Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus
      Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus
      Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina
      Redwing, Turdus iliacus (R)
      Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (R)
      American robin, Turdus migratorius
      Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius


      Old World flycatchers


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
      The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World. These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (R)


      Old World sparrows


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
      Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)


      Wagtails and pipits


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
      Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender, ground-feeding insectivores of open country. One species has been recorded in Maine.

      American pipit, Anthus rubescens


      Finches, euphonias, and allies



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
      Finches are seed-eating passerine birds that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Fifteen species have been recorded in Maine.

      Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (R)
      Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus
      Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
      Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis (R)
      House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (Native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced in the east)
      Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus
      Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
      Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni
      Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra
      White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera
      Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus (R)
      Pine siskin, Spinus pinus
      Lesser goldfinch, Spinus psaltria (R)
      American goldfinch, Spinus tristis


      Longspurs and snow buntings


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
      The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that have been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in Maine.

      Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
      Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (R)
      Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (R)
      Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis


      New World sparrows


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
      Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns.















      Yellow-breasted chat


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteriidae
      This species was historically placed in the wood-warblers (Parulidae) but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was placed in its own family in 2017.

      Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens


      Troupials and allies


      Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
      The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Fifteen species have been recorded in Maine.

      Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
      Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus
      Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna
      Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta (R)
      Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius
      Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (R)
      Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula
      Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus
      Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis (R)
      Bronzed cowbird, Molothrus aeneus (R)
      Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater
      Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus
      Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (R)
      Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula
      Boat-tailed grackle, Quiscalus major (H)


      New World warblers



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
      The wood-warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Forty-two species have been recorded in Maine.


      Cardinals and allies



      Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
      The cardinals are a family of robust seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Eleven species have been recorded in Maine.

      Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
      Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea
      Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana
      Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis
      Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus
      Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (R)
      Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea
      Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena (R)
      Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea
      Painted bunting, Passerina ciris
      Dickcissel, Spiza americana


      Notes




      References




      See also


      List of birds of Acadia National Park
      List of birds of Baxter State Park
      List of birds
      Lists of birds by region
      List of North American birds

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