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This list of birds of Massachusetts includes species documented in the U.S. state of Massachusetts and accepted by the Massachusetts Avian Records Committee (MARC). As of July 2023, there are 516 species included in the official list.[1] Of them, 194 are on the review list (see below), six have been introduced to North America, three are extinct, and one has been extirpated. An additional seven species are on a supplemental list of birds whose origin is uncertain.
This list is presented in the taxonomic sequence of the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds, 7th edition through the 62nd Supplement, published by the American Ornithological Society (AOS).[2] Common and scientific names are also those of the Check-list, except that the common names of families are from the Clements taxonomy because the AOS list does not include them.
Unless otherwise noted, all species listed below are considered to occur regularly in Massachusetts as permanent residents, summer or winter visitors, or migrants. The following codes are used to denote categories of species:
- (n) Nesting - confirmed nesting records within Massachusetts[3][4][5]
- (xn) Extralimital nester - record of nesting, but recorded only once or twice
- (I) Introduced - a species introduced to North America by the actions of humans, either directly or indirectly
- (E) Extinct - a recent species that no longer exists
- (Ex) Extirpated - a species no longer found in Massachusetts but existing elsewhere
- (R) Review list - birds that if seen require more comprehensive documentation than regularly seen species. These birds are considered irregular or rare in Massachusetts.
Note: Birds marked with (*) are not identified to species, but are distinct enough to be considered as a separate entry.
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Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae
The family Anatidae includes the ducks and most duck-like waterfowl, such as geese and swans. These birds are adapted to an aquatic existence with webbed feet, bills which are flattened to a greater or lesser extent, and feathers that are excellent at shedding water due to special oils. Forty-eight species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Black-bellied whistling-duck, Dendrocygna autumnalis (R)
- Fulvous whistling-duck, Dendrocygna bicolor (R)
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna (R)
- Snow goose, Anser caerulescens
- Ross's goose, Anser rossii (R)
- Greater white-fronted goose, Anser albifrons
- Pink-footed goose, Anser brachyrhynchus (R)
- Brant, Branta bernicla
- Barnacle goose, Branta leucopsis (R)
- Cackling goose, Branta hutchinsii
- Canada goose, Branta canadensis (n)
- Mute swan, Cygnus olor (I) (n)
- Trumpeter swan, Cygnus buccinator (R)
- Tundra swan, Cygnus columbianus (R)
- Wood duck, Aix sponsa (n)
- Garganey, Spatula querquedula (R)
- Blue-winged teal, Spatula discors (n)
- Cinnamon teal, Spatula cyanoptera (R)
- Northern shoveler, Spatula clypeata (n)
- Gadwall, Mareca strepera (n)
- Eurasian wigeon, Mareca penelope
- American wigeon, Mareca americana (n)
- Mallard, Anas platyrhynchos (n)
- American black duck, Anas rubripes (n)
- Northern pintail, Anas acuta (n)
- Green-winged teal, Anas crecca (n)
- Canvasback, Aythya valisineria
- Redhead, Aythya americana
- Ring-necked duck, Aythya collaris (n)
- Tufted duck, Aythya fuligula (R)
- Greater scaup, Aythya marila
- Lesser scaup, Aythya affinis
- Steller's eider, Polysticta stelleri (R)
- King eider, Somateria spectabilis
- Common eider, Somateria mollissima (n)
- Harlequin duck, Histrionicus histrionicus
- Labrador duck, Camptorhynchus labradorius (E) (R)
- Surf scoter, Melanitta perspicillata
- White-winged scoter, Melanitta deglandi
- Black scoter, Melanitta americana
- Long-tailed duck, Clangula hyemalis
- Bufflehead, Bucephala albeola
- Common goldeneye, Bucephala clangula
- Barrow's goldeneye, Bucephala islandica
- Hooded merganser, Lophodytes cucullatus (n)
- Common merganser, Mergus merganser (n)
- Red-breasted merganser, Mergus serrator (n)
- Masked duck, Nomonyx dominicus (R)
- Ruddy duck, Oxyura jamaicensis (n)
American black duck
Common eider
Long-tailed duck
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Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae
The New World quails are small, plump terrestrial birds only distantly related to the quails of the Old World, but named for their similar appearance and habits. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (n)
Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae
Phasianidae consists of the pheasants and their allies. These are terrestrial species, variable in size but generally plump with broad relatively short wings. Many species are gamebirds or have been domesticated as a food source for humans. Turkeys have a distinctive fleshy wattle that hangs from the underside of the beak and a fleshy protuberance that hangs from the top of its beak called a snood. As with many galliform species, the female (the hen) is smaller than the male (the tom) and much less colorful. With wingspans of 1.5–1.8 meters (almost 6 feet), the turkeys are the largest birds in the open forests in which they live and are rarely mistaken for any other species. Grouse inhabit temperate and subarctic regions of the Northern Hemisphere. They are game and are sometimes hunted for food. In all Massachusetts species, males are polygamous and have elaborate courtship displays. These heavily built birds have legs feathered to the toes. Most species are year-round residents and do not migrate. Five species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (n)
- Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (n)
- Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (R)
- Greater prairie-chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (R) (Ex)
- Heath hen, T. c. cupido (E)
- Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I) (n)
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Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae
Grebes are small to medium-large freshwater diving birds. They have lobed toes and are excellent swimmers and divers. However, they have their feet placed far back on the body, making them quite ungainly on land. Five species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps (n)
- Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
- Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
- Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis (R)
- Western grebe, Aechmorphorus occidentalis (R)
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Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae
Pigeons and doves are stout-bodied birds with short necks and short slender bills with a fleshy cere. Eight species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I) (n)
- Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (R)
- European turtle-dove, Streptopelia turtur (R)
- Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (R) (I)
- Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (R) (E)
- Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (R)
- White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (R)
- Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura (n)
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Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae
The family Cuculidae includes cuckoos, roadrunners, and anis. These birds are of variable size with slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. The Old World cuckoos are brood parasites. Three species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Common cuckoo, Cuculus canorus (R)
- Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (n)
- Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus (n)
Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae
Nightjars are medium-sized nocturnal birds that usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very short bills. Most have small feet, of little use for walking, and long pointed wings. Their soft plumage is cryptically colored to resemble bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor (n)
- Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis
- Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus (n)
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Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae
The swifts are small birds which spend the majority of their lives flying. These birds have very short legs and never settle voluntarily on the ground, perching instead only on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long swept-back wings which resemble a crescent or boomerang. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (n)
- Apus species, Apus sp. (*) (R)
Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae
Hummingbirds are small birds capable of hovering in mid-air due to the rapid flapping of their wings. They are the only birds that can fly backwards. Six species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (n)
- Black-chinned hummingbird, Archilochus alexandri (R)
- Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope (R)
- Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (R)
- Allen's hummingbird, Selasphorus sasin (R)
- Broad-billed hummingbird, Cynanthus latirostris (R)
Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae
Rallidae is a large family of small to medium-sized birds which includes the rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. The most typical family members occupy dense vegetation in damp environments near lakes, swamps, or rivers. In general they are shy and secretive birds, making them difficult to observe. Most species have strong legs and long toes which are well adapted to soft uneven surfaces. They tend to have short, rounded wings and to be weak fliers. Nine species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (R)
- Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (R)
- Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (n)
- King rail, Rallus elegans (n)
- Virginia rail, Rallus limicola (n)
- Sora, Porzana carolina (n)
- Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (R)
- Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata (n)
- American coot, Fulica americana (n)
Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae
Cranes are large, long-legged, and long-necked birds. Unlike the similar-looking but unrelated herons, cranes fly with necks outstretched, not pulled back. Most have elaborate and noisy courting displays or "dances". One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis (xn)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae
Recurvirostridae is a family of large wading birds which includes the avocets and stilts. The avocets have long legs and long up-curved bills. The stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (R)
- American avocet, Recurvirostra americana
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae
The oystercatchers are large, obvious, and noisy plover-like birds, with strong bills used for smashing or prying open molluscs. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus (n)
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae
The family Charadriidae includes the plovers, dotterels, and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short thick necks, and long, usually pointed, wings. They are found in open country worldwide, mostly in habitats near water. Eleven species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (R)
- Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
- American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
- European golden-plover, Pluvialis apricaria (R)
- Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva (R)
- Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus (n)
- Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (R)
- Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
- Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (n)
- Lesser sand-plover, Charadrius mongolus (R)
- Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (R)
- Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (R)
- Mountain plover, Charadrius montanus (R)
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Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae
Scolopacidae is a large diverse family of small to medium-sized shorebirds including the sandpipers, curlews, godwits, shanks, tattlers, woodcocks, snipes, dowitchers, and phalaropes. The majority of these species eat small invertebrates picked out of the mud or soil. Different lengths of legs and bills enable multiple species to feed in the same habitat, particularly on the coast, without direct competition for food. Forty-five species have been recorded in Massachusetts
- Upland sandpiper, Bartramia longicauda (n)
- Whimbrel, Numenius phaeopus
- Eskimo curlew, Numenius borealis (R) (generally considered possibly extinct, but not flagged as such by MARC)
- Eurasian curlew, Numenius arquata (R)
- Long-billed curlew, Numenius americanus (R)
- Bar-tailed godwit, Limosa lapponica (R)
- Black-tailed godwit, Limosa limosa (R)
- Hudsonian godwit, Limosa haemastica
- Marbled godwit, Limosa fedoa
- Ruddy turnstone, Arenaria interpres
- Red knot, Calidris canutus
- Ruff, Calidris pugnax (R)
- Broad-billed sandpiper, Calidris falcinellus (R)
- Sharp-tailed sandpiper, Calidris acuminata (R)
- Stilt sandpiper, Calidris himantopus
- Curlew sandpiper, Calidris ferruginea (R)
- Red-necked stint, Calidris ruficollis (R)
- Sanderling, Calidris alba
- Dunlin, Calidris alpina
- Purple sandpiper, Calidris maritima
- Baird's sandpiper, Calidris bairdii
- Little stint, Calidris minuta (R)
- Least sandpiper, Calidris minutilla (xn)
- White-rumped sandpiper, Calidris fuscicollis
- Buff-breasted sandpiper, Calidris subruficollis
- Pectoral sandpiper, Calidris melanotos
- Semipalmated sandpiper, Calidris pusilla
- Western sandpiper, Calidris mauri
- Short-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus griseus
- Long-billed dowitcher, Limnodromus scolopaceus
- American woodcock, Scolopax minor (n)
- Wilson's snipe, Gallinago delicata (n)
- Terek sandpiper, Xenus cinereus (R)
- Spotted sandpiper, Actitis macularius (n)
- Solitary sandpiper, Tringa solitaria
- Gray-tailed tattler, Tringa brevipes (R)
- Wandering tattler, Tringa incana (R)
- Lesser yellowlegs, Tringa flavipes
- Willet, Tringa semipalmata (n)
- Spotted redshank, Tringa erythropus (R)
- Common redshank, Tringa totanus (R)
- Common greenshank, Tringa nebularia (R)
- Greater yellowlegs, Tringa melanoleuca
- Wilson's phalarope, Phalaropus tricolor (n)
- Red-necked phalarope, Phalaropus lobatus
- Red phalarope, Phalaropus fulicarius
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae
They are in general medium to large birds, typically with gray or brown plumage, often with white markings on the wings. They have longish bills with hooked tips and webbed feet with sharp claws. They look like large dark gulls, but have a fleshy cere above the upper mandible. They are strong, acrobatic fliers. Five species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Great skua, Stercorarius skua (R)
- South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (R)
- Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
- Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
- Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae
Alcids are superficially similar to penguins due to their black-and-white colors, their upright posture, and some of their habits, however they are only distantly related to the penguins and are able to fly. Auks live on the open sea, only deliberately coming ashore to nest. Nine species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Dovekie, Alle alle
- Common murre, Uria aalge
- Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia
- Razorbill, Alca torda
- Great auk, Pinguinus impennis (R) (E)
- Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle
- Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (R)
- Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiquus (R)
- Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica
Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae
Laridae is a family of medium to large seabirds and includes gulls, terns, kittiwakes, and skimmers. They are typically gray or white, often with black markings on the head or wings. They have stout, longish bills and webbed feet. Thirty-five species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Black-legged kittiwake, Rissa tridactyla
- Ivory gull, Pagophila eburnea (R)
- Sabine's gull, Xema sabini
- Bonaparte's gull, Chroicocephalus philadelphia
- Black-headed gull, Chroicocephalus ridibundus (xn)
- Little gull, Hydrocoleus minutus
- Ross's gull, Rhodostethia rosea (R)
- Laughing gull, Leucophaeus atricilla (n)
- Franklin's gull, Leucophaeus pipixcan (R)
- Black-tailed gull, Larus crassirostris (R)
- Heermann's gull, Larus heermanni (R)
- Common gull, Larus canus (R)
- Short-billed gull, Larus brachyrhynchus (R)
- Ring-billed gull, Larus delawarensis (xn)
- California gull, Larus californicus (R)
- Herring gull, Larus argentatus (n)
- Iceland gull, Larus glaucoides
- Lesser black-backed gull, Larus fuscus
- Slaty-backed gull, Larus schistisagus (R)
- Glaucous gull, Larus hyperboreus
- Great black-backed gull, Larus marinus (n)
- Brown noddy, Anous stolidus (R)
- Sooty tern, Onychoprion fuscata (R)
- Bridled tern, Onychoprion anaethetus (R)
- Least tern, Sternula antillarum (n)
- Gull-billed tern, Gelochelidon nilotica (R)
- Caspian tern, Hydroprogne caspia
- Black tern, Chlidonias niger
- White-winged tern, Chlidonias leucopterus (R)
- Roseate tern, Sterna dougallii (n)
- Common tern, Sterna hirundo (n)
- Arctic tern, Sterna paradisaea (n)
- Forster's tern, Sterna forsteri (n)
- Royal tern, Thalasseus maxima
- Sandwich tern, Thalasseus sandvicensis (R)
- Elegant tern, Thalasseus elegans (R)
- Black skimmer, Rynchops niger (n)
Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae
Tropicbirds are slender white birds of tropical oceans with exceptionally long central tail feathers. Their long wings have black markings, as does the head. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (R)
- Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (R)
Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae
Loons are aquatic birds, the size of a large duck, to which they are unrelated. Their plumage is largely gray or black, and they have spear-shaped bills. Loons swim well and fly adequately, but are almost hopeless on land, because their legs are placed towards the rear of the body. Four species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
- Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (R)
- Common loon, Gavia immer (n)
- Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (R)
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae
The albatrosses are amongst the largest of flying birds, and the great albatrosses from the genus Diomedea have the largest wingspans of any extant birds. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (R)
- Black-browed albatross, Thalassarche melanophris (R)
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae
The storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds, relatives of the petrels, feeding on planktonic crustaceans and small fish picked from the surface, typically while hovering. The flight is fluttering and sometimes bat-like. Until 2018, this family's three species were included with the other storm-petrels in family Hydrobatidae. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus
- White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae
Though the members of this family are similar in many respects to the southern storm-petrels, including their general appearance and habits, there are enough genetic differences to warrant their placement in a separate family. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous (n)
- Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro
Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae
The Procellariids are the main group of medium-sized "true petrels", characterized by united nostrils with medium septum and a long outer functional primary. Eleven species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis
- Trindade petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana (R)
- Bermuda petrel, Pterodroma cahow (R)
- Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (R)
- Fea's petrel, Pterodroma feae (R)
- Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea
- Cape Verde shearwater, Calonectris edwardsii (R)
- Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus
- Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis
- Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (xn)
- Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri
- Barolo shearwater, Puffinus baroli (R)
Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae
Storks are large, heavy, long-legged, long-necked wading birds with long stout bills and wide wingspans. They lack the powder down that other wading birds such as herons, spoonbills and ibises use to clean off fish slime. Storks lack a pharynx and are mute. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Wood stork, Mycteria americana (R)
Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae
Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are large, black, or black-and-white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. The males have colored inflatable throat pouches. They do not swim or walk and cannot take off from a flat surface. Having the largest wingspan-to-body-weight ratio of any bird, they are essentially aerial, able to stay aloft for more than a week. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (R)
Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae
The sulids comprise the gannets and boobies. Both groups are medium-large coastal seabirds that plunge-dive for fish. Four species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Masked booby, Sula dactylatra (R)
- Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (R)
- Red-footed booby, Sula sula (R)
- Northern gannet, Morus bassanus
Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae
Anhingas are cormorant-like water birds with very long necks and long, straight beaks. They are fish eaters which often swim with only their neck above the water. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (R)
Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae
Cormorants are medium-to-large aquatic birds, usually with mainly dark plumage and areas of colored skin on the face. The bill is long, thin and sharply hooked. Their feet are four-toed and webbed. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo (n)
- Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum (n)
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae
Pelicans are very large water birds with a distinctive pouch under their beak. Like other birds in the order Pelecaniformes, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos (R)
- Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (R)
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae
The family Ardeidae contains the herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns tend to be shorter necked and more secretive. Members of Ardeidae fly with their necks retracted, unlike other long-necked birds such as storks, ibises and spoonbills. Fifteen species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (n)
- Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis (n)
- Great blue heron, Ardea herodias (n)
- Gray heron, Ardea cinerea (R)
- Great egret, Ardea alba (n)
- Little egret, Egretta garzetta (R)
- Western reef-heron, Egretta gularis (R)
- Snowy egret, Egretta thula (n)
- Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (n)
- Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (n)
- Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (R)
- Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (n)
- Green heron, Butorides virescens (n)
- Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax (n)
- Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea (n)
Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae
The family Threskiornithidae includes the ibises and spoonbills. They have long, broad wings. Their bodies tend to be elongated, the neck more so, with rather long legs. The bill is also long, decurved in the case of the ibises, straight and distinctively flattened in the spoonbills. Three species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- White ibis, Eudocimus albus (R)
- Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (n)
- White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (R)
- Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (R)
Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae
The New World vultures are not closely related to Old World vultures, but superficially resemble them because of convergent evolution. Like the Old World vultures, they are scavengers. However, unlike Old World vultures, which find carcasses by sight, New World vultures have a good sense of smell with which they locate carcasses. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Black vulture, Coragyps atratus (n)
- Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura (n)
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae
Pandionidae is a family of fish-eating birds of prey, possessing a very large, powerful hooked beak for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. The family is monotypic.
- Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (n)
Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae
Accipitridae is a family of birds of prey and includes hawks, eagles, kites, harriers, and Old World vultures. These birds have very large powerful hooked beaks for tearing flesh from their prey, strong legs, powerful talons, and keen eyesight. Fifteen species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (R)
- Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (R)
- Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos
- Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius (n)
- Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus (n)
- Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii (n)
- American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus (n)
- Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus (n)
- Steller's sea-eagle, Haliaeetus pelagicus (R)
- Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (R)
- Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus (n)
- Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (n)
- Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (R)
- Zone-tailed hawk, Buteo albonotatus (R)
- Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis (n)
- Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae
Barn-owls are medium to large owls with large heads and characteristic heart-shaped faces. They have long strong legs with powerful talons. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Barn owl, Tyto alba (n)
Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae
Typical owls are small to large solitary nocturnal birds of prey. They have large forward-facing eyes and ears, a hawk-like beak, and a conspicuous circle of feathers around each eye called a facial disk. Eleven species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio (n)
- Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus (n)
- Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
- Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (R)
- Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (R)
- Barred owl, Strix varia (n)
- Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (R)
- Long-eared owl, Asio otus (n)
- Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus (n)
- Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (R)
- Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus (n)
Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae
Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (n)
Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae
Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues used for capturing insects. Some species have feet with two toes pointing forward and two backward, while several species have only three toes. Many woodpeckers have the habit of tapping noisily on tree trunks with their beaks. Ten species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (R)
- Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus (n)
- Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus (n)
- Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (n)
- American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis (R)
- Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (R)
- Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens (n)
- Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus (n)
- Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus (n)
- Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus (n)
Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae
Falconidae is a family of diurnal birds of prey, notably the falcons and caracaras. They differ from hawks, eagles, and kites in that they kill with their beaks instead of their talons. Eight species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (R)
- Eurasian kestrel, Falco tinnunculus (R)
- American kestrel, Falco sparverius (n)
- Red-footed falcon, Falco vespertinus (R)
- Merlin, Falco columbarius (n)
- Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo (R)
- Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (R)
- Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae
Tyrant flycatchers are Passerine birds which occur throughout North and South America. They superficially resemble the Old World flycatchers, but are more robust and have stronger bills. They do not have the sophisticated vocal capabilities of the songbirds. Most, but not all, are rather plain. As the name implies, most are insectivorous. Twenty-four species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Ash-throated flycatcher, Myiarchus cinerascens (R)
- Great crested flycatcher, Myiarchus crinitus (n)
- Streaked flycatcher/sulphur-bellied flycatcher, Myiodynastes maculatus/Myiodynastes luteiventris (*) (R)
- Tropical kingbird, Tyrannus melancholicus (R)
- Couch's kingbird, Tyrannus couchii (R)
- Cassin's kingbird, Tyrannus vociferans (R)
- Western kingbird, Tyrannus verticalis
- Eastern kingbird, Tyrannus tyrannus (n)
- Gray kingbird, Tyrannus dominicensis (R)
- Scissor-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus forficatus (R)
- Fork-tailed flycatcher, Tyrannus savana (R)
- Olive-sided flycatcher, Contopus cooperi (n)
- Eastern wood-pewee, Contopus virens (n)
- Yellow-bellied flycatcher, Empidonax flaviventris (xn)
- Acadian flycatcher, Empidonax virescens (n)
- Alder flycatcher, Empidonax alnorum (n)
- Willow flycatcher, Empidonax traillii (n)
- Least flycatcher, Empidonax minimus (n)
- Hammond's flycatcher, Empidonax hammondii (R)
- Gray flycatcher, Empidonax wrightii (R)
- Western flycatcher, Empidonax difficilis (R)
- Eastern phoebe, Sayornis phoebe (n)
- Say's phoebe, Sayornis saya (R)
- Vermilion flycatcher, Pyrocephalus rubinus (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae
The vireos are a group of small to medium-sized passerine birds. They are typically greenish in color and resemble wood warblers apart from their heavier bills. Nine species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (n)
- Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (R)
- Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons (n)
- Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (n)
- Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus
- Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus (n)
- Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (n)
- Yellow-green vireo, Vireo flavoviridis (R)
- Black-whiskered vireo, Vireo altiloquus (R)
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae
Shrikes are passerine birds known for their habit of catching other birds and small animals and impaling the uneaten portions of their bodies on thorns. A shrike's beak is hooked, like that of a typical bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (Ex)[6] (R)
- Northern shrike, Lanius borealis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae
The family Corvidae includes crows, ravens, jays, choughs, magpies, treepies, nutcrackers, and ground jays. Corvids are above average in size among the Passeriformes, and some of the larger species show high levels of intelligence. Six species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis (R)
- Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata (n)
- Eurasian jackdaw, Corvus monedula (R)
- American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos (n)
- Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus (n)
- Common raven, Corvus corax (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae
The Paridae are mainly small stocky woodland species with short stout bills. Some have crests. They are adaptable birds, with a mixed diet including seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapilla (n)
- Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (R)
- Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae
Larks are small terrestrial birds with often extravagant songs and display flights. Most larks are fairly dull in appearance. Their food is insects and seeds. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae
The family Hirundinidae is adapted to aerial feeding. They have a slender streamlined body, long pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide gape. The feet are adapted to perching rather than walking, and the front toes are partially joined at the base. Nine species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Bank swallow, Riparia riparia (n)
- Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (n)
- Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (R)
- Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis (n)
- Brown-chested martin, Progne tapera (R)
- Purple martin, Progne subis (n)
- Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (n)
- Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (n)
- Cave swallow, Petrochelidon fulva (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae
The kinglets are a small family of birds which resemble the titmice. They are very small insectivorous birds. The adults have colored crowns, giving rise to their name. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula (n)
- Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae
The waxwings are a group of passerine birds with soft silky plumage and unique red tips to some of the wing feathers. In the Bohemian and cedar waxwings, these tips look like sealing wax and give the group its name. These are arboreal birds of northern forests. They live on insects in summer and berries in winter. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
- Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Ptiliogonatidae
The silky-flycatchers are a small family of passerine birds which occur mainly in Central America, although the range of one species extends to central California. They are related to waxwings and like that group, have soft silky plumage, usually gray or pale yellow in color. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Phainopepla, Phainopepla nitens (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae
Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have the unusual ability to climb down trees head first, unlike other birds which can only go upwards. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and powerful bills and feet. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis (n)
- White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae
Treecreepers are small woodland birds, brown above and white below. They have thin pointed downcurved bills, which they use to extricate insects from bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, which they use to support themselves on vertical tree trunks and limbs. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Brown creeper, Certhia americana (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae
These dainty birds resemble Old World warblers in their structure and habits, moving restlessly through the foliage seeking insects. The gnatcatchers are mainly soft bluish gray in color and have the typical insectivore's long sharp bill. Many species have distinctive black head patterns (especially males) and long, regularly cocked, black-and-white tails. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae
Wrens are small and inconspicuous birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and a thin downturned bill. Several species often hold their tails upright. All are insectivorous. Seven species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (R)
- House wren, Troglodytes aedon (n)
- Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis (n)
- Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis (n)
- Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris (n)
- Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (n)
- Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae
The mimids are a family of passerine birds which includes thrashers, mockingbirds, tremblers, and the New World catbirds. These birds are notable for their vocalization, especially their remarkable ability to mimic a wide variety of birds and other sounds heard outdoors. The species tend towards dull grays and browns in their appearance. Four species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis (n)
- Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (n)
- Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (R)
- Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae
Starlings are small to medium-sized Old World passerine birds with strong feet. Their flight is strong and direct and most are very gregarious. Their preferred habitat is fairly open country, and they eat insects and fruit. The plumage of several species is dark with a metallic sheen. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I) (n)
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae
The thrushes are a group of passerine birds that occur mainly but not exclusively in the Old World. They are plump, soft plumaged, small to medium-sized insectivores or sometimes omnivores, often feeding on the ground. Many have attractive songs. Twelve species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis (n)
- Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (R)
- Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (R)
- Veery, Catharus fuscescens (n)
- Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
- Bicknell's thrush, Catharus bicknelli (xn) (R) (Ex?)[7]
- Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus (n)
- Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus (n)
- Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (n)
- Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (R)
- American robin, Turdus migratorius (n)
- Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae
The Old World flycatchers are a large family of small passerine birds mostly restricted to the Old World. These are mainly small arboreal insectivores, many of which, as the name implies, take their prey on the wing. One species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae
Old World sparrows are small passerine birds. In general, sparrows tend to be small plump brownish or grayish birds with short tails and short powerful beaks. Sparrows are seed eaters, but they also consume small insects. One species has been recorded in Massachusetts.
- House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)(n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae
Motacillidae is a family of small passerine birds with medium to long tails. They include the wagtails, longclaws, and pipits. They are slender ground-feeding insectivores of open country. Two species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- American pipit, Anthus rubescens
- Sprague's pipit, Anthus spragueii (R)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae
Finches are seed-eating passerine birds, that are small to moderately large and have a strong beak, usually conical and in some species very large. All have twelve tail feathers and nine primaries. These birds have a bouncing flight with alternating bouts of flapping and gliding on closed wings, and most sing well. Twelve species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Common chaffinch, Fringilla coelebs (R)
- Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (R)
- Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus (n)
- Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
- House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (n) (native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced in the east)
- Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus (n)
- Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
- Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (R)
- Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra (n)
- White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera (xn)
- Pine siskin, Spinus pinus (n)
- American goldfinch, Spinus tristis (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae
The Calcariidae are a group of passerine birds that have been traditionally grouped with the New World sparrows, but differ in a number of respects and are usually found in open grassy areas. Five species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
- Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (R)
- Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (R)
- Thick-billed longspur, Rhyncophanes mccownii (R)
- Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis
Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae
Until 2017, these species were considered part of the family Emberizidae. Most of the species are known as sparrows, but these birds are not closely related to the Old World sparrows which are in the family Passeridae. Many of these have distinctive head patterns. Twenty-nine species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (R)
- Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum (n)
- Black-throated sparrow, Amphispiza bilineata (R)
- Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
- Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (R)
- Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina (n)
- Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida
- Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla (n)
- Brewer's sparrow, Spizella breweri (R)
- Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
- American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
- Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (n)
- White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
- Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (R)
- Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (R)
- White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis (n)
- Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus (n)
- LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii (R)
- Seaside sparrow, Ammospiza maritima (n)
- Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni
- Saltmarsh sparrow, Ammospiza caudacuta (n)
- Henslow's sparrow, Centronyx henslowii (n)(R)
- Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis (n)
- Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia (n)
- Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (n)
- Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana (n)
- Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (R)
- Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus (R)
- Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteriidae
This species was historically placed in the wood-warblers (Parulidae) but nonetheless most authorities were unsure if it belonged there. It was placed in its own family in 2017.
- Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens
Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae
The icterids are a group of small to medium-sized, often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World and include the grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. Most species have black as a predominant plumage color, often enlivened by yellow, orange, or red. Fourteen species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
- Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (n)
- Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna (n)
- Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta (R)
- Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (n)
- Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (R)
- Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (n)
- Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus (n)
- Shiny cowbird, Molothrus bonariensis (R)
- Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater (n)
- Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus (xn)
- Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (R)
- Great-tailed grackle, Quiscalus mexicanus (R)
- Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula (n)
Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae
The wood-warblers are a group of small often colorful passerine birds restricted to the New World. Most are arboreal, but some are more terrestrial. Most members of this family are insectivores. Forty-four species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla (n)
- Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (n)
- Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla (n)
- Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis (n)
- Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (R) (n)
- Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (n)
- Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia (n)
- Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (n)
- Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (R)
- Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina
- Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
- Lucy's warbler, Leiothlypis luciae (R)
- Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla (n)
- Virginia's warbler, Leiothlypis virginiae (R)
- Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
- MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (R)
- Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia (n)
- Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa
- Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (n)
- Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (n)
- American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla (n)
- Kirtland's warbler, Setophaga kirtlandii (R)
- Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina
- Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea (n)
- Northern parula, Setophaga americana (n)
- Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (n)
- Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea
- Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (n)
- Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (n)
- Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica (n)
- Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (n)
- Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (n)
- Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum
- Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus (n)
- Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (n)
- Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica
- Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (n)
- Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (R)
- Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (R)
- Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (R)
- Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens
- Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (n)
- Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla
- Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus (R)
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Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae
The cardinals are a family of robust, seed-eating birds with strong bills. They are typically associated with open woodland. The sexes usually have distinct plumages. Eleven species have been recorded in Massachusetts.
- Summer tanager, Piranga rubra
- Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (n)
- Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (R)
- Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (n)
- Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus (n)
- Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (R)
- Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (n)
- Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena (R)
- Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (n)
- Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (R)
- Dickcissel, Spiza americana (n)
The MARC believes individual birds of the following species could have occurred as wild vagrants, but captive origin could not be ruled out:
- Common shelduck, Tadorna tadorna
- American flamingo, Phoenicopterus ruber
- White-tailed hawk, Buteo albicaudatus
- Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia
- Eurasian siskin, Spinus spinus
- European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis
- Eurasian tree sparrow, Passer montanus
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