Birds of Massachusetts

Massachusetts has over 500 species of birds, according to the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee or MARC. Of these, there are 3 extinct: the labrador duck, the heath hen, and the passenger pigeon. Around 200 of the 500 birds are considered rare in the state.

Despite its small size, Massachusetts has some striking birding hotspots like the Mass Audubon Joppa Flats Education Center in Newburyport, inhabited by several shorebirds during summer, like the osprey and black-crowned night heron. The Parker River National Wildlife Refuge in Newbury is another sought-after birding destination. It is home to several birds like the great cormorant, red-necked grebe, and snowy owl that come here during spring and fall.

The largest birds found in the state are the albatross, but the only two species spotted in the area, the black-browed albatross and yellow-nosed albatross, are among the rare birds. More common large birds include the mute swan and wild turkey. The house wren and house finches belong to the list of small birds seen in the state.

Massachusetts has had the black-capped chickadee as its state bird since 1941.