Northeast · Atlantic Flyway

Birds in Massachusetts

Massachusetts's coastal refuges and Cape Cod are Atlantic Flyway migration magnets.

490+Bird species
4Habitat types
1Birding hotspots
4+Cities

Popular cities in Massachusetts

Common Birds in Massachusetts

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

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Backyard Birds in Massachusetts

Birds that regularly visit feeders and gardens in Massachusetts. 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 →

Birds by Habitat in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 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.

Top Bird Watching Spots in Massachusetts

The best places to go bird watching in Massachusetts, from national wildlife refuges to local sanctuaries.

1

Plum Island / Parker River NWR

Barrier island with migrating shorebirds, raptors, and warblers.

Bird Calendar — Massachusetts

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

February
Steady winter residents
March
Steady winter residents
June
Steady winter residents
July
Steady winter residents
August
Steady winter residents
November
Steady winter residents
December
Steady winter residents

Explore neighboring states

About birding in Massachusetts

Massachusetts is located in the Northeast 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 490 bird species across 4 habitat types: coastal, forest, wetland, urban.

Whether you're a backyard birder in Boston or planning a trip to Plum Island / Parker River NWR, this guide covers the most commonly seen species, seasonal patterns, and practical tips for attracting and identifying birds in Massachusetts.