South · Atlantic Flyway

Birds in Maryland

Birds in Maryland: Maryland's Chesapeake Bay and Appalachian ridges support diverse coastal and forest species. This guide lists the common backyard birds, a month-by-month calendar, and the best places to go bird watching in Maryland.

440+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots

Popular cities in Maryland:

Common Birds in Maryland

The most frequently reported bird species across Maryland. Click any bird for full profiles, photos, calls, and attraction tips.

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Backyard Birds in Maryland

Maryland backyard birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens. These are the species you’re most likely to attract with the right food, plants, and habitat setup.

Find the right feeder →Bird-friendly plants →

Where to Go Bird Watching in Maryland

The best places to see birds in Maryland, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Bombay Hook NWR

Delaware Bay shorebird stopover (nearby).

Birds in Maryland by Month

What to expect each month: migration arrivals, departures, and seasonal highlights.

Birds by Habitat in Maryland

Maryland spans 4 major habitat types. Explore birds adapted to each environment.

🏖️Coastal BirdsShorebirds, gulls, terns, and seabirds along the coastline.
🌲Forest BirdsWoodland and canopy birds including woodpeckers, warblers, and owls.
🌊Wetland BirdsMarsh, lake, and river species—waterfowl, herons, and shorebirds.
🏙️Urban BirdsCity-adapted birds thriving in parks, gardens, and neighborhoods.

Birds in neighboring states

About birding in Maryland

Maryland is located in the South region of the United States and falls along the Atlantic Flyway, one of four major North American migration routes. The state is home to more than 440 bird species across 4 habitat types: coastal, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you’re a backyard birder in Baltimore or planning a trip to Bombay Hook NWR, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Maryland.