In “The Most Common Backyard Birds in Massachusetts,” readers will find a comprehensive guide to the avian residents that grace the backyards of the Bay State. Drawing from the reliable data of the citizen science program eBird, this article offers an accurate account of the most frequently sighted birds in the state. With the inclusion of vivid photographs and helpful tips on attracting these feathered friends to your own backyard, it’s a must-read for both novice and experienced bird watchers. Additionally, this article provides valuable resources for further exploration, such as eBird and local bird groups, ensuring that readers can continue their birding adventures beyond the confines of their own yards. With a focus on each bird species’ identification, habitat, range, behavior, and feeding preferences, the species accounts section provides a wealth of detailed information for those eager to learn more about these winged wonders.
Black-capped Chickadee
Description
The Black-capped Chickadee is a small songbird known for its cute appearance and cheery call. It has a round body and a short neck, with a small black cap on its head and a black bib-like marking under its white chin. Its back and wings are a creamy gray color, while its underparts are a pale buff. It has a short bill that it uses to forage for insects and seeds.
Habitat
Black-capped Chickadees are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of habitats. They thrive in deciduous and mixed forests, as well as wooded suburban areas. They are also known to visit parks and gardens. These birds prefer areas with mature trees, where they can find plenty of insects and seeds to feed on.
Range
The Black-capped Chickadee is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state throughout the year. It has a widespread range across North America, extending from Alaska and Canada to as far south as northern California and New Mexico. It is most common in the northern parts of its range.
Behavior
Black-capped Chickadees are highly social birds that often form small flocks during the non-breeding season. They have distinct vocalizations, including their infamous “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call that gives them their name. These birds are curious and acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down while foraging for food. They are also known for their ability to cache food, storing excess seeds and insects for later consumption.
Feeding Preferences
Black-capped Chickadees have diverse feeding preferences. They primarily eat insects, such as caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, which they glean from leaves and bark. They also consume seeds, berries, and small fruits. These birds are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they happily dine on sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter.
American Robin
Description
The American Robin is a familiar bird with a distinctive appearance. It has a plump body, a long, slender beak, and a reddish-orange breast. Its head is black, with a white eye ring and a yellow beak. Its back and wings are a deep gray-brown color. This bird is known for its melodious song, which is often heard in the early morning hours.
Habitat
American Robins are versatile birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They prefer open areas with grass, such as lawns, parks, and gardens. They are also commonly found in woodlands, where they search for worms and insects on the forest floor.
Range
The American Robin is a common bird throughout Massachusetts and the rest of North America. It is a migratory bird, spending the breeding season in the northern parts of its range and migrating south for the winter. Robins can be found as far north as Alaska and as far south as Mexico.
Behavior
American Robins are known for their distinctive hopping behavior, as they search for insects and worms on the ground. They can often be seen pulling up earthworms from the soil and tugging on them until they come free. Robins are also skilled at foraging in trees, where they eat berries and fruits. During the breeding season, they build cup-shaped nests in trees and shrubs.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the American Robin consists of a wide range of foods. They primarily eat earthworms, which make up a large portion of their diet. They also feed on insects, berries, fruits, and occasionally seeds. Robins are attracted to lawns and gardens where they can find an ample supply of worms and insects. Offering mealworms, fruit, and suet at feeders can also attract these birds to your backyard.
Northern Cardinal
Description
The Northern Cardinal is a striking bird known for its brilliant red plumage and distinctive crest. It has a medium-sized body, a thick, cone-shaped bill, and a prominent black face mask. The male is bright red all over, while the female has a more subdued brownish color with red accents. Both sexes have a black bill and black feathers around the base of their necks.
Habitat
Northern Cardinals can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are often seen in woodlands, thickets, and shrubby areas. They also inhabit urban and suburban areas, including parks, gardens, and backyards. These birds are known to nest in dense vegetation, such as shrubs and thickets.
Range
The Northern Cardinal is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state year-round. It is also a resident bird in other parts of eastern North America, from southern Canada to as far south as Mexico. Cardinals are not migratory birds and do not undertake long-distance journeys.
Behavior
Northern Cardinals are known for their beautiful and melodious song, which is often described as a series of clear whistles. They are territorial birds and will defend their nesting territory vigorously. Cardinals are known to engage in aggressive behaviors, such as pecking at windows or mirrors, as they perceive their own reflections as rivals. In addition to their song, they also communicate using a variety of calls and gestures.
Feeding Preferences
Northern Cardinals have a varied diet that consists of both plant matter and insects. They primarily eat seeds, including those from trees such as sunflowers, conifers, and grasses. They also feed on fruits, berries, and even snails and insects. Cardinals are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy sunflower seeds, safflower seeds, and cracked corn. Providing a mix of these foods can attract Cardinals to your backyard.
Song Sparrow
Description
The Song Sparrow is a small, plump bird with a streaked brown back and a buff-colored chest. It has a medium-sized bill and a long, round-tipped tail. Its face has dark streaks and a white eyeline. The plumage of Song Sparrows can vary depending on the individual and the region, but they all share the characteristic streaked pattern.
Habitat
Song Sparrows are versatile birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are most commonly found in open areas with dense vegetation, such as grasslands, marshes, and shrubby areas. They also inhabit suburban areas, including gardens, parks, and backyards.
Range
The Song Sparrow is a common bird throughout Massachusetts and the rest of North America. It breeds across most of Canada and the United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America. Some individuals may migrate south during the winter, while others remain in their breeding grounds year-round.
Behavior
Song Sparrows are renowned for their beautiful songs, which consist of a series of melodious trills, buzzes, and whistles. Males often sing from perches to defend their territories and attract mates. These birds are highly active on the ground, where they forage for seeds, insects, and small invertebrates. They also build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation.
Feeding Preferences
Song Sparrows have a diverse diet that includes a variety of seeds, insects, and invertebrates. They feed on seeds from grasses, weeds, and other plants, as well as berries and fruits. Insects and small invertebrates, such as spiders and caterpillars, also make up an important part of their diet. Offering a mix of seeds and suet at feeders can attract Song Sparrows to your backyard.
Dark-eyed Junco
Description
The Dark-eyed Junco is a small bird known for its striking coloration and unique markings. It has a small, rounded body, a short bill, and a long, slender tail. The plumage of the Dark-eyed Junco can vary depending on the individual and the region, but it typically has a gray or brown body with a white belly. It also has white outer tail feathers that are often seen when it takes flight.
Habitat
Dark-eyed Juncos are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are often seen in woodlands, where they forage for seeds and insects on the forest floor. They also inhabit suburban areas, including gardens and backyards. These birds are known to nest on or near the ground, typically in dense vegetation.
Range
The Dark-eyed Junco is a common bird throughout Massachusetts and the rest of North America. It breeds in the northern parts of its range, including Canada and Alaska, and migrates south for the winter. Juncos can be found as far south as Mexico and Central America.
Behavior
Dark-eyed Juncos are social birds that often form flocks during the non-breeding season. They have a distinctive behavior of hopping on the ground and flicking their tail feathers. These birds are highly adaptable and can adjust their behavior and feeding habits to changes in their environment. They are also known to build cup-shaped nests on or near the ground.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the Dark-eyed Junco consists primarily of seeds. They forage for seeds on the ground, particularly those from grasses and weeds. They also feed on insects and small invertebrates, including spiders and caterpillars. Offering a mix of seeds, millet, and suet at feeders can attract Dark-eyed Juncos to your backyard.
Mourning Dove
Description
The Mourning Dove is a graceful bird with a slender body, a small head, and a long, pointed tail. It has a soft, muted coloration, with pale gray-brown plumage and delicate patterns of dark spots on its wings. It also has a distinctive black crescent-shaped marking on its neck. Mourning Doves are known for their gentle cooing calls, which are often heard in the early morning or evening.
Habitat
Mourning Doves are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are often seen in open areas with scattered trees, such as fields, parks, and gardens. They also inhabit woodlands, where they can find perches and build nests. These birds are known to nest in trees, shrubs, and even on buildings.
Range
The Mourning Dove is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state throughout the year. It has a widespread range across North America, extending from southern Canada to as far south as Mexico. Mourning Doves are not migratory birds and do not undertake long-distance journeys.
Behavior
Mourning Doves are peaceful and gentle birds that are often seen in pairs or small flocks. They are ground-feeders, often seen foraging for seeds on the ground. When startled, they take off in a quick, straight flight with a whistling sound made by their wings. Mourning Doves are monogamous and form strong pair bonds, often staying together for multiple breeding seasons.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the Mourning Dove consists mostly of seeds, particularly those from grasses, weeds, and agricultural crops. They also feed on fruits and berries, as well as some insects. Mourning Doves are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy cracked corn, millet, and sunflower seeds. Offering a variety of seeds and grains can attract Mourning Doves to your backyard.
Tufted Titmouse
Description
The Tufted Titmouse is a small bird known for its lively personality and distinctive head crest. It has a round body, a short, stout bill, and a long, upright tail. The plumage of the Tufted Titmouse is a combination of gray, white, and black, with a rust-colored patch under its wings. It has a black forehead and a prominent black marking above its eyes. The head crest, which can be raised or lowered, adds to its charming appearance.
Habitat
Tufted Titmice are versatile birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are often seen in deciduous and mixed forests, where they forage for insects and seeds in the canopy and understory. They also inhabit wooded suburban areas, parks, and gardens. These birds are known to nest in tree cavities, often choosing old woodpecker holes.
Range
The Tufted Titmouse is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state throughout the year. It has a widespread range across the eastern and southern parts of North America. Titmice can be found as far north as Canada and as far south as Florida and Texas.
Behavior
Tufted Titmice are highly active birds that are constantly in motion. They are agile and acrobatic, often seen hanging upside down or sideways while foraging for food. They have a repertoire of various calls, including a nasal “peter-peter-peter” and a whistled “peter-peter.” These birds are also known to cache food, storing excess seeds in tree crevices or other hiding spots.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the Tufted Titmouse consists of a variety of foods. They feed on insects, including caterpillars, beetles, and spiders, which they glean from leaves and bark. They also eat seeds, nuts, and berries, often storing them for later consumption. Tufted Titmice are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter. Providing these foods can attract Titmice to your backyard.
Downy Woodpecker
Description
The Downy Woodpecker is a small, agile bird known for its distinctive black-and-white plumage and sharp bill. It has a round body, a short neck, and a long, barbed tongue that it uses to extract insects from tree bark. The male Downy Woodpecker has a small red patch on the back of its head, while the female does not have this patch.
Habitat
Downy Woodpeckers are adaptable birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are commonly seen in woodlands, where they forage for insects and excavate nest holes in trees. They also inhabit suburban areas, parks, and gardens, particularly if there are suitable trees for foraging and nesting.
Range
The Downy Woodpecker is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state throughout the year. It has a widespread range across North America, extending from Alaska and Canada to as far south as Mexico and Central America. Downy Woodpeckers are not migratory birds and do not undertake long-distance journeys.
Behavior
Downy Woodpeckers are known for their drumming behavior, where they tap on trees with their bill to communicate with other woodpeckers and to establish their territories. They also use their sharp bill to excavate small holes in trees, where they search for insects and extract sap. These birds are highly skilled at climbing trees and clinging to vertical surfaces.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the Downy Woodpecker consists primarily of insects, particularly beetles, ants, and caterpillars. They also feed on spiders, tree sap, and seeds. Downy Woodpeckers are frequent visitors to bird feeders, where they enjoy suet, peanut butter, and sunflower seeds. Providing a variety of foods can attract Downy Woodpeckers to your backyard.
White-breasted Nuthatch
Description
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a small bird known for its unique appearance and distinctive behavior. It has a compact body, a short tail, and a long, pointed bill. The plumage of the White-breasted Nuthatch is a combination of black, white, and gray, with a white face, a black cap, and a black stripe on its back. It also has a rusty-colored underbelly.
Habitat
White-breasted Nuthatches are versatile birds that can be found in a variety of habitats across Massachusetts. They are commonly seen in deciduous and mixed forests, where they forage for insects and seeds on tree trunks and branches. They also inhabit wooded suburban areas, parks, and gardens. These birds are known to nest in tree cavities, particularly old woodpecker holes.
Range
The White-breasted Nuthatch is a resident bird in Massachusetts, meaning it can be found in the state throughout the year. It has a widespread range across North America, extending from Alaska and Canada to as far south as Mexico and Central America. Nuthatches are not migratory birds and do not undertake long-distance journeys.
Behavior
White-breasted Nuthatches have a unique behavior of climbing up and down tree trunks, often seen searching for insects hidden in the bark. They have a nasal “yank-yank” call that is often heard as they move through the trees. These birds are also known for their ability to cache food, storing excess seeds in tree crevices for later consumption.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the White-breasted Nuthatch consists of a variety of foods. They feed on insects, including beetles, caterpillars, and spiders, which they glean from tree trunks and branches. They also eat seeds, nuts, and tree sap. White-breasted Nuthatches are skilled at using bird feeders, where they enjoy sunflower seeds, suet, and peanut butter. Providing these foods can attract Nuthatches to your backyard.
Red-winged Blackbird
Description
The Red-winged Blackbird is a medium-sized songbird known for its striking coloration and distinctive call. The male Red-winged Blackbird has glossy black plumage with bright red and yellow shoulder patches, or epaulets, that it displays while defending its territory. The female is a dull brown color with streaks of black. Both sexes have a long, pointed bill.
Habitat
Red-winged Blackbirds are often found in wetland areas, such as marshes, swamps, and flooded fields. They prefer areas with tall grasses and dense vegetation, where they can find perches and build their nests. These birds are also commonly seen in agricultural fields, pastures, and along the edges of ponds and lakes.
Range
The Red-winged Blackbird is a common bird throughout Massachusetts and the rest of North America. It breeds across most of Canada and the United States, as well as parts of Mexico and Central America. Some individuals may migrate south during the winter, while others remain in their breeding grounds year-round.
Behavior
Red-winged Blackbirds are highly territorial birds, especially during the breeding season. Males often perch on tall stalks or trees and defend their territories with their distinctive “conk-la-ree” call. They also display their bright shoulder patches to attract mates and deter rivals. These birds build cup-shaped nests in dense vegetation, where they lay their eggs and raise their young.
Feeding Preferences
The diet of the Red-winged Blackbird consists primarily of insects, particularly those found in marshy areas. They feed on a variety of insects, including beetles, grasshoppers, and spiders. They also eat seeds, grains, and berries, particularly during the winter months. Red-winged Blackbirds are often seen foraging on the ground or among the vegetation, using their sharp bill to extract prey.
