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Birds & Birding

Massachusetts is visited by over 300 species of birds every year, all with unique plumages, calls, migration patterns, and stories. From the smallest sparrow to the mighty herons, our community of birdwatchers are united by the inspiration we draw from our feathered friends. Whether you're a self-described birder, or just bird-curious, you've come to the right place to take flight. 

So, pick up your binoculars, join a weekly bird walk, and find all the answers to your birding questions. 

Find a Place for Birds & Birding

We manage our wildlife sanctuaries to support native bird life and healthy habitats. 

Find a sanctuary

Skip pins map, go to find sanctuary form
Foldable list of all birds found in MA

Mass Audubon's Bird Checklist

Keep track of all the birds you can find in Massachusetts with our statewide checklist. 

Start Tracking Today

Get to Know the Birds Near You

  • Two Tree Swallows on Nest Box
    Tree Swallows

    Birds

    Discover the birds—and bird behaviors—most commonly encountered in Massachusetts. 

  • Nestbox in field at sunset

    Your Guide to Birdhouses

    Discover which birdhouse is best for your favorite species with Mass Audubon's birdhouse guide. Download our free nesting chart to start attracting local birds to your yard today!

  • Baby birds in nest
    © Christopher Peterson

    Baby Birds Out of the Nest

    Find out what to do if you find a baby bird out of its nest.

  • An American Tree Sparrow is perched above the snow.

    Commonly Confused Birds

    Learn the subtle cues that differentiate these similar pairings. 

  • Savannah Sparrow singing in spring at Arcadia © Phil Doyle
    Savannah Sparrow at Arcadia © Phil Doyle

    Bird Songs vs Bird Calls

    What’s the difference between a bird song and a bird call, and which birds use what sounds?

  • Yellow and black warbler perched in tree branch
    Black Throated Green Warbler

    Great Bird Migration Spots

    Here are a few of Mass Audubon’s favorite birding spots to visit during spring migration. Find out why we love them, what you'll see, and how to make the most of your visit.

  • Blackburnian Warbler with a yellow head, white belly, and black bands on the side, looking out into the distance from its position on a stick.
    Blackburnian Warbler, Marblehead Neck, Marblehead

    Helping Injured Birds

    Be sure you know what to do if you come across an injured bird.

  • An Eastern Phoebe calls out from a bare branch.

    Waseeka Wildlife Sanctuary, Hopkinton, MA © Robert Liscombe

    10 Common Bird Sounds

    We’ve pulled together 10 sounds and songs of birds that you may commonly hear in your yard or neighborhood, particularly in the spring. Listen to them enough times and you’ll be able to identify some of what you are hearing when you go outside.

  • IMG_9366-1920x1280-1c6f3836-e9a6-4617-9a27-9a2a92c5f3e8.jpg

    How to Fit & Focus Your Binoculars

    Learn what to look for when purchasing binoculars, as well as how to fit and focus your settings once you find the right pair. 

Three people looking into distance with binoculars

Birding for Beginners

This beginner birdwatching primer will tell you everything you need to get started on your new favorite hobby. 

Learn More

Birds & Birding FAQs

Have questions about birds? We have answers.

Explore

Birding Code of Ethics

Ethical birding is a cornerstone of our birdwatching strategy.

Review 

Binoculars, Scopes, Feeders & More

Find birding gear online or in-person through the Mass Audubon Shop.

Shop

Protecting At Risk Birds

By fostering healthy habitats and monitoring populations, Mass Audubon supports native bird life. 

  • 79

    Important Bird Areas Protected

  • 16

    Bird Species in MA listed as Endangered or Threatened

  • 61

    Breeding bird species are classified as Highly Vulnerable to climate change

Latest News

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Great Horned Owl resting in a tree
Great Horned Owl © Susan Packard
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Snowy Owl in a grassy area
Snowy Owl © Alison Miceli
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