About the Northeast Region
The Northeast United States is home to diverse bird species that thrive in deciduous forests, coastal habitats, and suburban areas. From the rocky shores of Maine to the Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania, birdwatchers can spot year-round residents like chickadees and cardinals, as well as seasonal migrants including warblers and thrushes.
Best birding seasons: Spring migration (April-May) and Fall migration (September-October) bring spectacular diversity. Winter offers excellent views of hardy species at feeders.
Northern Cardinal
Cardinalis cardinalis
Brilliant red male and tan female are year-round backyard favorites. Non-migratory residents found in woodlands and suburbs.
Year-round
Blue Jay
Cyanocitta cristata
Bold blue and white bird with distinctive crest. Intelligent and vocal, common at feeders. Year-round resident.
Year-round
Black-capped Chickadee
Poecile atricapillus
Tiny acrobatic bird with black cap and bib. Curious and friendly, often first to visit new feeders. Year-round.
Year-round
American Robin
Turdus migratorius
Orange breast, gray back. Common on lawns hunting earthworms. One of the first signs of spring.
Spring-Fall
Mourning Dove
Zenaida macroura
Tan dove with long pointed tail. Soft cooing song. Common at feeders and on the ground.
Year-round
Downy Woodpecker
Dryobates pubescens
Small black and white woodpecker. Males have red patch on back of head. Common at suet feeders.
Year-round
White-breasted Nuthatch
Sitta carolinensis
Climbs tree trunks head-first downward. White face, blue-gray back. Nasal "yank yank" call.
Year-round
Tufted Titmouse
Baeolophus bicolor
Gray bird with crest and large dark eyes. Loud "peter peter peter" song. Common at feeders.
Year-round
Red-winged Blackbird
Agelaius phoeniceus
Males glossy black with red and yellow shoulder patches. Found in marshes and wetlands. Spring migrant.
Spring-Fall
American Goldfinch
Spinus tristis
Bright yellow male in summer, olive in winter. Loves thistle feeders. Undulating flight pattern.
Year-round
Song Sparrow
Melospiza melodia
Brown streaked bird with central breast spot. Beautiful melodious song. Common in shrubby areas.
Year-round
Baltimore Oriole
Icterus galbula
Brilliant orange and black male. Loves oranges and grape jelly. Summer resident, migrates to tropics.
Spring-Summer