Publisher’s update, 27 October 2026: Source-cited corrections were prepared with Codex. Specialist human review is pending; the original contributor’s byline is retained.
Identify local birds without relying on a fixed ranking
The species below are a starting list for Massachusetts garden observation, not a current survey ranking or a complete state checklist. Record location, habitat, season and field marks when identifying a visitor.
MassWildlife advises against feeding wildlife and recommends native planting and habitat instead. Bird feeders can attract bears and spread disease; remove them at the first sign of bear activity and check current local wildlife guidance. The old dated disease all-clear and blanket “no rules” claim have been removed.
Sources checked 27 October 2026: MassWildlife: avoid feeding wildlife; MassWildlife: prevent bear conflicts.
Bird watching is a pastime enjoyed by all and does not require much in the way of supplies – you can simply look out the window and observe birds in your backyard.
Do ever wonder exactly which species you are most likely to encounter?
Whether summer or winter, this little bird can be found all over the state from the Housatonic River to Cape Cod, and Andover to New Bedford.
In this article, we’ll provide you with a wide variety of birds that Massachusetts has to offer from its most common to its rarest, the largest bird in residence, birds found in your backyard to birds found on the water, springtime and wintertime birds, and much more.
What Is the State Bird of Massachusetts?
The state of Massachusetts actually has two state birds – the black capped chickadee and the turkey.
What Birds Are in Massachusetts in Winter?
While a lot of birds fly south for the winter, choosing to spend those cold snowy months in more tropical climes, there are a few that decide to stay up north when it gets cold and hunker down through the snowy season.
In Massachusetts, there are a few small bird species that you may be able to spot among the icy branches of leafless trees.
The most common overwintering birds include the:
- black capped chickadee
- Northern cardinal
- tufted titmouse
- dark eyed junco
- and white breasted nuthatch
Is It Okay to Feed Birds in Massachusetts?
It is naturally appealing to put a bird feeder out in your backyard filled with seeds to see all the different colorful avian friends you can attract.
What Kind of Sparrows Live in Massachusetts?
American tree sparrows are known to overwinter in Massachusetts and can be commonly seen at bird feeders while there’s snow on the ground.
While not common in the wintertime, chipping sparrows can be found during the warmer months.
In the more urban areas and parks, house sparrows tend to be among the city birds you’ll find dwelling in Massachusetts.
Perhaps one of the most common spring and summer sparrows are the song sparrow which are known for their pleasing tunes.
You Never Know: You are most likely to see these in the warmer months, however, they do overwinter, so it is not out of the question to find them at your feeder in the snowy months too.
Massachusetts offers a wide variety of habitats for birds and your very backyard is a great place to live for dozens of different species.
- Black capped chickadee
- American robin
- Blue jay
- Northern cardinal
- Song sparrow
- American crow
- Mourning dove
- American goldfinch
- Tufted titmouse
- Downy woodpecker
These birds of prey are protected so it’s rare to get near their nests.
However, they can be spotted most often in the winter when the trees are bare, but may also be occasionally seen in the summer as well.
The most common places to spot a red tailed hawk is when they are circling for prey over open fields or perched on telephone poles along the roadways.
Nice Tip: Males and females both have very distinctive looks with males sporting a bright green head, brown bodies and a white tail, and females a mottled brown color.
What Birds Are Most Commonly Sighted in the Spring in Massachusetts?
While winter offers pretty picturesque bird sighting against a backdrop of snow, spring is a wonderful time to bird watch in Massachusetts.
Among the most commonly sighted birds to grace the warmer spring months are the following:
- 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
There are a multitude of bird species to be found flying around and nesting in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
Bright colorful cardinals, blue jays, goldfinches, and much more will frequent your backyard’s bird feeder and can be found year round from sunny spring to snowy winter.