Most common birds at a glance
Massachusetts has a mix of year-round residents and seasonal visitors. The birds you are most likely to see in a typical yard include:
- Black-capped chickadee
- Northern cardinal
- Blue jay
- American robin
- Tufted titmouse
- Mourning dove
- American goldfinch
- Downy woodpecker
- White-breasted nuthatch
- House finch and house sparrow
Seeing the same handful every week is normal. What changes through the year is behavior, plumage, and which extra visitors join them.
Black-capped chickadee, the state bird
The black-capped chickadee is the Massachusetts state bird. It is small and round, with a black cap and bib, white cheeks, and a gray back. Its name comes from its call, a “chick-a-dee-dee-dee,” and it also gives a clear two-note whistle, often described as “fee-bee.” Chickadees are comfortable around people and will take sunflower seeds from a feeder, often carrying one away to eat or store elsewhere.
Spring
Spring brings song. Robins hop across lawns, cardinals and titmice sing from treetops, and migrants begin to pass through from April onward. Watch for returning chipping sparrows, and for warblers in woodlands and parks in May. Nesting begins, so it is a good time to offer a nesting box or leave natural materials such as small twigs and plant fibers available.
Summer
In summer, many yard birds are busy raising young and feeders can be quieter because insects and wild foods are plentiful. American goldfinches nest later than many species, and the males are at their brightest yellow. Ruby-throated hummingbirds visit flowers and nectar feeders. Fledglings often appear on the ground looking helpless; in most cases the parents are nearby and the young birds should be left alone.
Fall
From late summer through fall, migration returns. Hawks, songbirds, and shorebirds move along the coast and inland ridgelines. Robins gather into flocks to feed on berries. Goldfinches lose their bright color and turn olive-brown. Feeder activity usually rises again as temperatures drop, so autumn is a good time to clean feeders and restock.
Winter
Winter is when feeders matter most; see our winter birds list for more of who to expect. Year-round birds such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches, cardinals, jays, and woodpeckers are joined by dark-eyed juncos, which feed on seeds that fall to the ground. Mass Audubon and other groups also note winter visitors from farther north, such as some finches, whose numbers vary from year to year. Black-oil sunflower seed and suet are common choices to offer in cold weather.
Coastal and wetland birds
Because Massachusetts has a long coastline, gulls, terns, sandpipers, and other shorebirds are a big part of the state’s birdlife. Piping plovers nest on some beaches and are protected, so observe marked areas from a distance. Salt marshes and ponds also host herons, egrets, and waterfowl. Local sanctuaries and eBird reports are useful for finding up-to-date sightings.
Attracting these birds
Most of the species above are easy to attract. A few general ideas:
- Offer black-oil sunflower seed in a tube or hopper feeder.
- Add a suet cage for woodpeckers, nuthatches, and chickadees.
- Provide a shallow, clean source of water.
- Plant native shrubs and trees that offer cover, berries, and insects.
- Clean feeders regularly to help limit the spread of disease.
Neighboring-state guides
If you travel or live near a border, compare with our guides to birds found in New York, common birds of New Hampshire, and common birds in New Jersey.