Massachusetts is home to a wide range of wild bird species. We’ll examine several of Massachusetts’ most typical and well-known birds, particularly those that may be found locally, in this piece. Several of these species are migratory and only spend part of the year in Massachusetts. So, let’s explore 27 Massachusetts backyard birds and get to know each one a little better.
After that, I’ll teach you how to entice them to your yard, give you a crash course in the 10 different types of bird feeders available for this purpose, and even provide you with information on a few Massachusetts birdwatching destinations and clubs.
How many different species of wild birds are in Massachusetts?
It’s impossible to say exactly how many species of birds there are in North America, the United States, or even Massachusetts. The official state list, however, includes 505 species, according to Wikipedia.
According to one source, North America is home to 2,059 species; according to another, 914. So I’m not sure how reliable these data are, but they do provide a rough estimate of the number of species.
27 BACKYARD BIRDS IN MASSACHUSETTS
In Massachusetts, we’ll take a look at 27 different species of backyard birds, some of whom are year-round residents and others who aren’t. These are some of the more well-known and identifiable Massachusetts backyard birds, many of which you can see at your bird feeders, but they aren’t all of the species in the state or even near it. Let’s get started!
1. NORTHERN CARDINAL
Scientific name: Cardinalis cardinalis
Length: 8.3-9.1 in
Weight: 1.5-1.7 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.2 in
In North America, Northern Cardinals are one of the most well-known and widely seen backyard birds. Females have duller hues and are more pale brown with some reddish tones, while males have vivid crimson feathers and a black mask. The mohawks and reddish orange beaks of both males and females are easily recognized.
Year-round, Massachusetts is home to the Northern Cardinals.
Most seed feeders will be visited by the Cardinals, who will provide them a mix of seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
2. TUFTED TITMOUSE
Scientific name: Baeolophus bicolor
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.2 in
In the areas where they live, these tiny birds are very frequent at feeders and in yards. Like Cardinals, they have a tiny crest (mohawk) that distinguishes them from other birds. Titmice have a black patch just above their beaks and are silver-gray on top and lighter on the bottom.
Throughout Massachusetts, the Tufted Titmouse may be found year-round.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will provide them with mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
Most seed feeders will be visited by titmice, who will offer them a mix of seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
3. BLACK-CAPPED CHICKADEE
Scientific name: Poecile atricapillus
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.3-0.5 oz
Wingspan: 6.3-8.3 in
Because of their “black cap” and black bib, chickadees are tiny little birds with rounded bodies that are exceedingly simple to identify. Their underbodies are fluffy and light, with white cheeks, blackish gray wings and backs, and solid white underbodies.
The official state bird of Massachusetts is the black-capped chickadee, which may be seen all year.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will offer black sunflower seeds in addition to mixed seed blends.
Most seed feeders will be visited by chickadees, who will give them mixed seed blends and black sunflower seeds.
4. BLUE JAY
Scientific name: Cyanocitta cristata
Length: 9.8-11.8 in
Weight: 2.5-3.5 oz
Wingspan: 13.4-16.9 in
In North America and the United States, another very well-known bird species is the mockingbird. The Blue Jay is the one who gets it. They have mostly blue feathers on their backs and bellies, with a huge blue crest on top of their heads. Black stripes run down their wings and tail. They also have a necklace-like black ring around their necks. They make a variety of loud, metallic calls, and will almost always be the first to notify all birds in the area of a predator like a hawk.
Another year-round resident of Massachusetts is the Blue Jays. Backyards and feeders are great places to find them.
Platform feeders, peanut feeders, and feeders with large perches are popular with Blue Jays. Black sunflower seeds, mixed seeds, and peanuts are good choices.
5. EASTERN BLUEBIRD
Scientific name: Sialia sialis
Length: 6.3-8.3 in
Weight: 1.0-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-12.6 in
Bluebirds have a bright royal blue head with a rusty reddish-orange belly and white belly. They are true to their name. Females and males have the same coloration, although females’ colors, particularly the blues, seem duller and faded. In the United States, they are among the most coveted birdhouse tenants. The bluebird house industry is booming, which is a good thing. Backyards, especially feeders, are home to a large number of them. I was able to attract a mating pair with this birdhouse, which I put up on Amazon.
Massachusetts has a year-round population of Eastern Bluebirds.
Although bluebirds don’t eat seeds on a regular basis, they may be persuaded to visit with mealworms on a tray feeder or in a dish.
6. SONG SPARROW
Scientific name: Melospiza melodia
Length: 4.7-6.7 in
Weight: 0.4-1.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.4 in
The back and wings of these sparrows are mostly brown, with a white breast strewn with deep brown streaks culminating in a central brown patch. The plumage of song Sparrows varies somewhat from area to area and is very widespread across most of North America. The male of the species sings both to attract females and to defend his territory.
The back and wings of these sparrows are usually brown, with a white breast that ends in a center brown mark. These sparrows have thick brown streaks. The plumage of song Sparrows varies a bit from area to area and they are ubiquitous across most of North America. The male of this species sings both to attract females and to defend his territory.
All year, Massachusetts has song Sparrows.
Bird feeders are sometimes visited by Song Sparrows, who snack on mixed seeds and sunflower seeds.
7. AMERICAN ROBIN
Scientific name: Turdus migratorius
Length: 7.9-11.0 in
Weight: 2.7-3.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Robins are generally seen hopping around the grass, hunting for worms and other invertebrates, and are very plentiful in backyards. They do not eat seeds and will go to bird feeders on occasion. They’re easy to spot because of their brilliant red bodies and yellow beaks. During the winter, they retreat to the woods in many places, and until spring, they don’t return to yards. They seem to be leaving the state, but in most circumstances, they remain throughout the winter.
All year, robins are found in Massachusetts.
Attract them with meal worms, native fruit-bearing plants, or a bird bath if they are rarely visiting bird feeders.
8. MOURNING DOVE
Scientific name: Zenaida macroura
Length: 9.1-13.4 in
Weight: 3.0-6.0 oz
Wingspan: 17.7 in
Mourning Doves are a little pigeon-sized bird that may be seen perched on telephone wires or in groups in trees all around the backyards. Their delicate “cooing” is a frequent backyard sound. They’re most often seen walking around on the ground, though they’re sometimes seen on my tray feeder. Gray birds with black markings on the head, a pale peachy hue below, and pink legs make up the majority of Mourning Doves.
Throughout Massachusetts, Mourning Doves may be seen year-round.
Dove feeders are commonly used, although dove prefer to search for fallen seeds rather than eat. A blended seed blend or simply dropping seeds on the ground may be used as a ground feeder.
9. EUROPEAN STARLING
Scientific name: Sturnus vulgaris
Length: 7.9-9.1 in
Weight: 2.1-3.4 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
In the 1890s, 100 starlings were released in New York and have since overrun the nation. They will overrun feeders, crushing the nests of other birds and murdering their young. They will overrun other birds’ nests and destroy them. They have yellow beaks and feet, and they are mostly all dark with white specks on their backs. In the right light, starlings may appear to be quite lovely and are a purple and green iridescent color.
Unfortunately, this invasive species can be found in any of the lower 48 states at any time of year.
Almost anything can be eaten by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not attempt to attract them since they are an invasive species and will anyway appear.
Nearly anything is consumed by European Starlings. We recommend that you do not try to attract them since they are an invasive species and will appear no matter what.
10. AMERICAN GOLDFINCH
Scientific name: Spinus tristis
Length: 4.3-5.1 in
Weight: 0.4-0.7 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-8.7 in
In the spring and summer, seeing goldfinches at feeders is one of my favorite activities, especially when they have their brilliant yellow feathers. Males have a black cap on top of their heads during this time and are mostly yellow, or “gold,” with black-tipped wings. Their vivid yellow turns to a dull brownish or olive color during winter, and they molt. The black on their wings and finch-like beaks distinguish them from other birds at any time of year.
Throughout Massachusetts, goldfinches may be found year-round.
Sunflower chips are popular with goldfinches, however a thistle feeder is your best bet to attract them.
11. DARK-EYED JUNCO
Scientific name: Junco hyemalis
Length: 5.5-6.3 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.1-9.8 in
Eastern United States Juncos The head, chest, back, wings, and tail are all dark gray. This is known as the slate-colored variety. They have a white belly that stretches from the base of their tail to the bottom. Females can range in color from gray to buffy brown. The pale pink beak and roundish body shape of junco are two good features to look for when identifying them. They’re most prevalent in woods and wooded regions, where they can frequently be seen hopping around on the ground.
During the winter, dark-eyed Juncos can be found across Massachusetts, with some of them remaining year-round in the state’s western regions.
Juncos will visit feeders on occasion, but rather than eating seed that other birds are dropping, they prefer to eat seed beneath your feeders. They like to mix different kinds of seeds.
12. GRAY CATBIRD
Scientific name: Dumetella carolinensis
Length: 8.3-9.4 in
Weight: 0.8-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 8.7-11.8 in
Catbirds are small birds with a black head and a long tail. They have dark slate gray coloring all over. Their tails are often unseen because of a rusty red patch that appears beneath them. Catbirds are attracted to native fruit-producing trees and shrubs, so offer them some. Their cries sound like those of a meowing cat, which gives them the moniker catbird.
Throughout the summer, Gray Catbirds may be found across Massachusetts, and on Cape Cod, they may stay year-round.
If you provide some fruits, berries, and other sweet foods, you may be able to attract catbirds; however, they prefer to forage on the ground or in bushes for food.
13. HOUSE FINCH
Scientific name: Haemorhous mexicanus
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.9 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.8 in
In Massachusetts, the House Finch is a frequent backyard bird. They are not as despised as other invasive species like House Sparrows or European Starlings, despite being invasive to the eastern United States. They may come in big flocks and mob your feeders if you attract them, which is quite simple to do. Females have no red coloration, whereas males are mostly streaked brown in color with some red on the head and chest. Unfortunately, they are susceptible to a transmissible eye illness, so make sure to check your feeders for it.
Throughout Massachusetts, House Finches remain throughout the year.
House Finches, like other finches, are fond of thistle seed. Try feeding them black sunflower seeds instead of Goldfinches at seed feeders since they are more common than the Goldfinches.
14. RED-WINGED BLACKBIRD
Scientific name: Agelaius phoeniceus
Length: 6.7-9.1 in
Weight: 1.1-2.7 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-15.8 in
Male Red-winged Blackbirds are among the most numerous birds in North America, with their crimson and yellow shoulders standing out against their dark skins. Females of this species, on the other hand, are mostly brown with light streaks and have a very different appearance. Males will have up to 15 different females that they are mating with, making them a polygynous species. Sadly, they may appear in flocks at feeders and devour seed as quickly as possible.
Throughout Massachusetts, red-winged blackbirds may be seen throughout the year.
Most types of feeders are visited by red-winged blackbirds, who will eat both seed and suet.
15. CHIPPING SPARROW
Scientific name: Spizella passerina
Length: 4.7-5.9 in
Weight: 0.4-0.6 oz
Wingspan: 8.3 in
Summer is the most plumage for chipping sparrows, with a buffy gray belly, brown and tan streaked wings, a rusty red crown, and a black line across the eye with white above. Their patterns may fade out during the winter, and their color might become more buffy-brown. Sparrows that prefer to eat on open ground are common.
Only during the spring and summer breeding season do Chipping Sparrows occur across Massachusetts.
At residential feeders, Chipping Sparrows are frequent, and they prefer to stay on the ground and pick up what has fallen. Sunflower and mixed seed, especially scattered on the ground, attract them.
16. DOWNY WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Picoides pubescens
Length: 5.5-6.7 in
Weight: 0.7-1.0 oz
Wingspan: 9.8-11.8 in
These common backyard birds love to visit bird feeders, and they’re frequently seen. They’re one of the first species I notice on a new bird feeder, and they’re the tiniest woodpeckers in North America. Their red patch on the back of their heads (in males, females have no red) and their all-white underbellies distinguish them from other species. Downy’s are notably smaller than the Hairy Woodpecker, another typical Massachusetts woodpecker.
Throughout Massachusetts, you may see Downy Woodpeckers year round.
At most types of bird feeders, Downy Woodpeckers are very common. Mixed seed, black sunflower seed, and suet are all options.
17. RED-BELLIED WOODPECKER
Scientific name: Melanerpes carolinus
Length: 9.4 in
Weight: 2.0-3.2 oz
Wingspan: 13.0-16.5 in
In the eastern United States, these medium-sized woodpeckers are common at feeders and backyards. The bright red stripe along the back of their heads is what you’ll first notice, even though they’re described as “red-bellied.” Their break is plain white, with a pinkish red patch in the lower half of their belly that is often not apparent. With the white and black barring on their wings, they are really easy to identify.
In Massachusetts, red-bellied woodpeckers can be found all year, but they are more common in the south of the state.
While they may occasionally eat at seed feeders, especially when peanuts are available, attract Red-bellied Woodpeckers with a suet feeder.
18. COMMON GRACKLE
Scientific name: Quiscalus quiscula
Length: 11.0-13.4 in
Weight: 2.6-5.0 oz
Wingspan: 14.2-18.1 in
Grackles are also rather lovely in the right light, with their iridescent feathers, despite being classified as a bully bird like the starling. They’re typically black in hue, although blue, green, brown, and purple hues might be seen in the right light. Grackles, in huge flocks numbering in the millions of birds, may roost with other types of blackbirds. Their solid coloring, elongated tubular shape, and yellow ringed eye make them easy to distinguish.
Grackles can be found year-round in Massachusetts.
Grackles are considered pests because they are foragers and will eat pretty much anything.
19.WHITE-BREASTED NUTHATCH
Scientific name: Sitta carolinensis
Length: 5.1-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-10.6 in
The name “white-breasted nuthatch” comes from the fact that the birds stuff nuts and seeds beneath tree bark and then use their sharp beaks to hatch them. In addition to being better than most other sorts of birds at walking vertically on trees, these birds may also On top of their heads, white-breasted Nuthatches have a thick black stripe, with white on each side and on their bellies. Gray and black are the most common colors of their wings.
White-breasted Nuthatches are common backyard birds that can be found year-round in Massachusetts.
Most seed feeders are visited by nuthatches, who provide them with mixed seed blends, black sunflower seeds, peanuts, or suet. They usually like to seize and flee, seizing a seed and hiding it in a nearby tree before flying away to consume or cache it.
20. HOUSE SPARROW
Scientific name: Passer domesticus
Length: 5.9-6.7 in
Weight: 0.9-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.5-9.8 in
Houses Sparrows are the only other wild bird species in the United States, and they are commonly regarded as pests. In addition to legally trapping and humanely killing starlings, They, like starlings, were brought to New York in the 1800s and have since spread across the United States like wildfire. Their wings and buffy chest are streaked with black and brown, and they are mostly brown in color. They are generally hostile to other birds, particularly around nests.
Massachusetts is home to a wide range of House Sparrows.
House Sparrows, like the European Starling, are invasive and endanger native species. They’ll practically devour anything that’s given to them.
21. WHITE-THROATED SPARROW
Scientific name: Zonotrichia albicollis
Length: 6.3-7.1 in
Weight: 0.8-1.1 oz
Wingspan: 7.9-9.1 in
White-throated Sparrows are only found throughout the winter season in most areas of the country, however they can be seen all year round in Massachusetts. Their white throat patch, as well as their bold facial pattern of black and white stripes with yellow markings between the eyes, make them easier to identify among sparrows. Females prefer to nest in concealed spots of thicket and vegetation, on or just above the ground.
In Massachusetts, white-throated sparrows may be seen all year round, but they seem to be more common during the winter.
Feeders are visited by white-throated sparrows, who prefer to pick up fallen seed. Sunflower, millet, and blended seed mixes are available.
22. RUBY-THROATED HUMMINGBIRD
Scientific name: Archilochus colubris
Length: 2.8-3.5 in
Weight: 0.1-0.2 oz
Wingspan: 3.1-4.3 in
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are the most common species of hummingbird in the United States, but they are only found in the eastern half of the country. They’re also the only hummingbird species native to the Eastern United States. Males have a vivid ruby-red throat, hence the name. The backs, wings, and heads of ruby-throated hummers are emerald green, with white underparts. The red throat feathers are missing from females.
Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are, however, the only species of hummingbird that can be found in Massachusetts. Other types of hummers may visit the state from time to time. From spring to fall, they can be found all across the state.
If you provide nectar feeders, Ruby-throated Hummingbirds are typically seen in backyards throughout the month of March or April.
23. RED-EYED VIREO
One of the most frequent eastern US birds is the red-eyed vireo. Summer birds are known as “summer birds.” They move to the United States after spending winters in South America. During the breeding season, this is how it works. A faded olive color covers their backs and tails, with a lighter breast and belly. Their eye has a black streak, and their eyebrow is white. They wear a black hat. Although it may be difficult to see and their eye appears black in the shadows, they have a red eye-ring, as their name suggests.
They aren’t often seen unless you are looking for them, despite how common they are. Because they seldom come down from the treetops, this is the case. Trees in your yard should be monitored regularly. I’ve noticed something wobbling around high up near the top on numerous occasions, and when I got my binoculars, I could see it’s the Red-eye Vireo. Listen for their song and calls, as well as the vireos’ distinctive “talking” all day. You’ll probably start hearing them everywhere in the summer once you learn to identify them.
In the spring and summer, Massachusetts is home to red-eyed vireos.
While in the United States, red-eyed Vireos mostly eat insects. Don’t visit bird feeders during the summer. Native deciduous trees and insect- Supporting vegetation, on the other hand, may entice them to your yard.
24. CAROLINA WREN
Scientific name: Thryothorus ludovicianus
Length: 4.7-5.5 in
Weight: 0.6-0.8 oz
Wingspan: 11.4 in
The upperparts of these tiny birds are reddish-brown, while the underparts are lighter orangish. Excellent distinguishing features include their long, somewhat bent beak and bold white eyebrow. Although they prefer to conceal in vegetation and may be difficult to locate, their loud “teakettle-teakettle” cry is unmistakable.
Throughout Massachusetts’ southern regions, Carolina Wrens may be frequent, but in the northern regions, they may be scarce or absent.
The Carolina Wrens, as seen in the photograph above, are quite frequent visitors to suet feeders in backyards.
25. NORTHERN FLICKER
Scientific name: Colaptes auratus
Length: 11.0-12.2 in
Weight: 3.9-5.6 oz
Wingspan: 16.5-20.1 in
In the United States, these medium to big woodpeckers are quite prevalent in backyards and feeders, but not particularly so. They’re also, in my opinion, some of North America’s most stunning birds. Flickers prefer to eat insects on the ground rather than in trees, as do other woodpeckers. The black spots on their bellies, solid black bib, red patch on the back of their necks, and barred black and gray wings will help you identify them. A black mustache is seen on males. The yellow-shafted variety can be found in Massachusetts, and the underside of their wings and tail are bright yellow feathers.
Throughout Massachusetts, Northern Flickers may be seen all year.
A suet feeder is visited on occasion by Northern Flickers, but they generally discover their own food. If you have a bird bath nearby, they may stop by for a visit.
26. BALTIMORE ORIOLE
Scientific name: Icterus galbula
Length: 6.7-7.5 in
Weight: 1.1-1.4 oz
Wingspan: 9.1-11.8 in
Orioles eat fruit, especially dark-colored berries and fruits. You have a good chance of attracting Baltimore Orioles if your yard contains native fruit-bearing trees and plants. Males have bright orange on their breasts and underbodies, as well as a dark hood over their entire head. They have black backs with white streaks on their wings. An orange rump and tail feathers are also visible. Coloration in females ranges greatly. Their wings may be gray or brown, and their head and wings might be lighter orange. In any case, the females lack the males’ super bright orange and glossy black.
During the breeding season, most of the country’s Orioles migrate, including Massachusetts. So, in the spring and summer months, keep an eye out.
When the Orioles are in town, give them jelly and orange halves to attract them, put out an oriole feeder.
27. NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD
Scientific name: Mimus polyglottos
Length: 8.3-10.2 in
Weight: 1.6-2.0 oz
Wingspan: 12.2-13.8 in
The ability to mimic the songs of other bird species earned mockingbirds their name. A male mockingbird may learn up to 200 distinct songs during his lifetime, according to estimates. The rather lengthy tail feathers help identify these medium-sized backyard birds, which are mostly gray and white in color. They may be rather aggressive of invading birds and frequently reside in tall bushes.
All year round, Northern Mockingbirds may be found across Massachusetts.
Backyard Northern Mockingbirds are very common, but they don’t feed at birdfeeders. Using certain of the other techniques below, such as fruit-bearing shrubs or a bird bath, entice them to your yard.
HOW TO ATTRACT BIRDS TO YOUR YARD
Want to attract a few of these birds to your yard? Take a look at these five basic tips, beginning with the most apparent.
1. PUT OUT BIRD FEEDERS
Put out a bird feeder or two, and you’ll get the most bang for your buck in terms of attracting birds to your yard. A basic tube feeder, hopper feeder, platform feeder, or window feeder are all good options to begin with. For further information on each, see below.
2. ADD A WATER SOURCE
You can use a terra cotta flower pot saucer, such as this one on Amazon, or something similar like a pedestal birdbath. Birds need water not just to swim in, but also to drink; adding a water feature to your yard will simply increase your likelihood of attracting birds. Also, since moving water will attract the birds even more, consider adding a solar fountain.
3. OFFER BIRDHOUSES
If placed in the proper position at the proper time of year, several types of birds will readily take up residence in birdhouses. Among the most popular birds sought after for birdhouses are American Bluebirds from the south. A mating pair of bluebirds checked out the birdhouse I put in my yard the same day I installed it.
4. PROVIDE SHELTER
When the birds sense danger, make certain that you have trees, plants, and shrubs in your yard that they may dash back and forth to. Predators are kept at bay by this. Add some landscaping features that will allow birds to look at your yard as safe if your yard is perhaps in a new subdivision with no mature trees.
5. ADD NATIVE PLANTS
Having native plants that produce nuts, berries, and seeds will only help your efforts to attract more birds for many birds that eat them. Moreover, since most songbirds feed insects to their hatchlings, native plants help caterpillars and other insects that feed many birds and support nesting birds. Try to keep non-native and invasive plants at bay, because they may out-compete the native flora that supports a healthy ecosystem.
10 DIFFERENT TYPES OF BIRD FEEDERS
In the yards of many homes, there are ten of the most prevalent bird feeders.
- Hopper feeders are known as hopper feeders because they feature a compartment in the middle, the hopper, which holds bird seed. Birds can land on the sides of the perches and eat from them. To keep the seed dry, many hopper feeders are shaped like a home and have a roof. For this sort of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a mixture of birdseed. This is one of my favorite hopper feeders, and it’s squirrel-proof.
- Platform feeders are open on top and may be hung from a tree, hook, or pole-mounted. They are sometimes referred to as tray feeders. These are simple to set up and can supply food to most birds. Every animal in your yard that can reach them will eat from them, despite the fact that they are completely open. For this type of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. In my back yard right now, I’m using this platform feeder.
- Tube feeders are simple plastic tube-shaped bird feeders that you may use for feeding birds. They may hold a few jars of seed or up to 5 pounds of seed. These are wonderful since they help you seed fresh and dry while also allowing you to continually seed when it is depleted. A tube feeder is used by several types of birds. With tube feeders, you can utilize black sunflower seeds and mixes. This squirrel proof tube feeder is made by Squirrel Buster, and it’s one of the finest on the market.
- Suet feeders are used to feed suet cakes to a single kind of bird. They’re a very basic idea, typically consisting of nothing more than a metal wire cage with a tail-prop for bigger birds. Suet feeders are often visited by woodpeckers throughout the winter because birds are seeking for high-fat foods. I recommend purchasing a suet feeder with a long tail prop to attract larger woodpeckers, such as the Pileated and Northern Flicker.
- Window feeders are tiny bird feeders that use suction cups to attach to a window. They’re open on top and you simply pour the seed into the tray to replenish them, much like tray feeders. These feeders are great for people who don’t have huge yards and are loved by a wide range of bird species. They’re simple to set up and maintain. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed and peanuts. On Amazon, this is by far the most popular window feeder, and it’s possible that it’s the most popular bird feeder overall.
- Thistle feeders, also known as Nyjer feeders, are specialized bird feeders designed specifically for thistle seed. Birds in the finch family, which includes the American Goldfinch and House Finch, are among the main types of birds that thistle feeders attract. Thistle feeders consist of a tube with small holes along the sides that allow birds to eat thistle seeds. Droll Yankees has a great thistle feeder.
- Ground feeders are tray feeders that sit on the ground rather than on a higher level like pedestal feeders. Birds like Mourning Doves and Juncos, as well as squirrels, raccoons, and other kinds of ground creatures will love them. For this kind of feeder, use black sunflower seeds or a combination of birdseed. This recycled plastic ground feeder is something you may like.
- Another kind of specialty feeder for one species of bird, orioles, is the oriole feeder. Little plastic or glass dishes designed for holding jelly, which orioles adore, are frequently included with the feeder itself. Another food that orioles like is orange halves, which you may affix to the feeder. Here’s an easy oriole feeder that holds four jelly trays and offers orange halves.
- Hummingbird feeders, sometimes known as hummingbird feeders, are invented to extract sugar water from hummingbirds. I often see Downy Woodpeckers at mine, even though they are meant for hummingbirds, because they also adore that delicious sugar. See how to make hummingbird nectar without boiling the water in this article. There’s no need to spend a lot of money on a hummingbird feeder since they’re simple and cheap. Here’s one that I’ve personally used and liked.
- Peanut feeders are tube-shaped and generally made of metal wire mesh material, similar to thistle feeders. To allow for whole unshelled or shelled peanuts to pass through the holes, the holes in the wire mesh are spaced farther apart. These should be filled with peanuts and attract birds such as Blue Jays. This Squirrel Buster squirrel feeder is your best option for keeping squirrels out of your peanut feeder. This basic one will suffice.
BIRD WATCHING IN MASSACHUSETTS
If you want to expand your birding beyond your own yard, Massachusetts is a fantastic place to start. Should you want to get more involved, the Massachusetts Audubon Society hosts meetups, workshops, field excursions, and birding trips.
Take a look at this list I’ve prepared of popular birding sites in Massachusetts if you’re a Massachusetts resident and want to add some new species to your life list.
MASSACHUSETTS BIRDING LOCATIONS
- Salisbury Beach State Reserve
- Halibut Point State Park
- Fort Hill
- Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary
- Plum Island
- Great Meadows Wildlife Refuge