Maine’s rugged coastline, vast interior forests, and thousands of freshwater lakes create a convergence of habitats that supports an unusually high diversity of bird species. The state is positioned at a biological crossroads, marking the southern limit for many boreal bird populations and the northern limit for several species typically found further south. This blend of marine, forest, and freshwater ecosystems makes Maine a significant location for both resident and migratory birds.
Coastal and Seabird Species
The rocky shores and offshore islands of Maine provide the only nesting habitat for the Atlantic Puffin in the United States. These birds are recognized by their stout, brightly colored bills during the summer breeding season and spend most of the year far out at sea. Puffin colonies are concentrated on managed islands like Eastern Egg Rock, Seal Island, and Matinicus Rock, where conservation efforts have successfully restored their populations since the 1970s.
Several other species of seabirds share these protected nesting sites along the coast. The Common Eider, Maine’s sole nesting sea duck, builds nests on these islands, with the female plucking down from her chest to insulate her eggs. The islands also host colonies of various Terns, including the Common and Arctic Terns, which aggressively chase off larger gulls.
Gulls are prevalent in the coastal environment, with the Herring Gull and Great Black-backed Gull dominating the shoreline and islands. The Great Black-backed Gull is the largest gull species in the world and often preys on the eggs and chicks of other seabirds. Smaller shorebirds, such as sandpipers and Black Guillemots, are also adapted to this marine environment, foraging in the intertidal zone or diving for small fish.
Forest and Woodland Species
Maine’s vast interior forest serves as a globally significant habitat for migratory songbirds. The Black-capped Chickadee, the state bird, is a non-migratory resident found year-round throughout these woods and suburban areas. This tiny, resilient bird is known for its distinctive “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call and its remarkable ability to cache thousands of seeds in the fall, helping it survive the winter.
The dense canopy of the mixed-wood and coniferous forest provides breeding grounds for a variety of Warblers that arrive in late spring. The Yellow-rumped Warbler, one of the most abundant, nests primarily in the coniferous forests of the North Woods. Another visually striking species is the Blackburnian Warbler, a fiery-throated songbird that prefers the high canopies of mature coniferous trees in the northern and high-elevation woodlands.
Resident woodpeckers are integral to the forest structure, using their specialized anatomy to create cavities for nesting and roosting. The Downy Woodpecker is the smallest species found in Maine, inhabiting deciduous and mixed forests. In contrast, the much larger Pileated Woodpecker, identifiable by its striking red crest and loud, laughing call, excavates large, rectangular holes in older trees to forage for wood-boring insects. Other common woodland species include the Blue Jay and the Red-eyed Vireo, which is one of the most numerous breeding birds in the mature deciduous areas of the state.
Wetland and Waterfowl Species
Maine’s numerous freshwater environments, including lakes, ponds, bogs, and river systems, are dominated by the presence of the Common Loon. Loons return to the lakes immediately after the ice melts, with males arriving first to establish territories. They are built for diving, with solid bones and large feet positioned far back on their bodies, which makes them awkward on land but powerful underwater hunters of fish.
The loon’s haunting vocalizations, which include wails, tremolos, and yodels, are a defining sound of Maine’s summer nights, used for communication and territorial defense. Nesting occurs close to the water’s edge, often on small islands or marshy areas, to allow for quick access. The parents must feed their chicks small fish for several weeks, and the downy chicks frequently ride on the backs of their parents for protection.
Wading birds, such as the Great Blue Heron, utilize the shallow edges of these wetlands for foraging. These tall, long-legged birds nest in colonies, called heronries, building large stick nests high up in trees near their feeding grounds. While Great Blue Herons are widespread, smaller wading species like the Great Egret and Snowy Egret are more often seen in the southern coastal salt marshes. Waterfowl are also abundant, with Wood Ducks, known for their iridescent plumage, nesting in tree cavities or artificial boxes near the water. Mallards, a common freshwater duck, are ground nesters that have been expanding their range northwards in Maine.
Seasonal Migrants and Raptors
Maine’s location along the Atlantic Flyway means that many species observed are seasonal visitors, passing through on extensive journeys between northern breeding grounds and southern wintering areas. This dynamic creates noticeable seasonal shifts, with the fall migration of raptors being a major event. Tens of thousands of birds of prey, including falcons and hawks, migrate along the coast.
Broad-winged raptors are a visible component of Maine’s avian life. The Bald Eagle, which has experienced a significant population recovery, is now a common sight, building massive stick nests near large bodies of water. The Osprey, a smaller fish-eating raptor, is also abundant and often seen near water. Ospreys are identified by their white undersides and the distinct downward arc of their wings when soaring.
Other common raptors include the Red-tailed Hawk, which hunts in open areas and forest edges, easily recognized by its broad wings and reddish-brown tail. Smaller, faster falcons, such as the Merlin and the Peregrine Falcon, are also observed during migration, particularly near the coast. The seasonal movement of these birds underscores the importance of Maine’s diverse habitats as a crucial link in the North American migration corridor.