Maine, known for its rugged coastline and dense forests, offers a diverse habitat for a variety of wildlife, particularly birds. Its winters are known for being harsh and unforgiving, creating a landscape where only the hardiest species thrive.
In this article, we present a list of 11 bird species that call Maine home during its challenging winter months. Each species demonstrates remarkable adaptability and resilience in facing the state’s icy temperatures and scarce food resources. This listicle aims to provide an informative glimpse into the lives of these enduring birds that brave Maine’s winter season.
1. Northern Flicker
- Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
- Length: 11.0-12.2 in
- Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
- Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
These medium to large-sized woodpeckers are quite common in backyards throughout the United States, though not extremely common at feeders. In my opinion, they are also among some of the most colorful birds in North America. Flickers feed mainly on insects and unlike other woodpeckers, often like to find them on the ground rather than trees.
Identify them by the black spots on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings. Males have a black “mustache”. In Maine, you get the “yellow-shafted” variety, and they have bright yellow feathers on the underside of their wings and tail.
In winter, Northern Flicker survives on insects and berries. Known for a distinct chest mark and yellow underwings, they may appear slightly paler during colder months. They need minimal help from humans; suet and seeds in bird feeders provide extra nourishment.
2. Northern Cardinal
- Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
- Length: 8.3-9.1 in
- Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
- Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
Northern Cardinals are among the most recognizable and common backyard birds in North America. However, that hasn’t always been the case in Maine. As recently as 1950 cardinals were considered rare in the state. They have slowly been expanding their breeding range north and are much more common in Maine today.
Males have bright red feathers and a black mask, and females have duller colors and are more pale brown with some reddish coloring. Both males and females are easily recognized by their “mohawks” and reddish orange beaks.
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