Maine’s boreal forests, rugged Atlantic coastline, and northern location give it a different mix of red birds than most eastern states. Purple Finches are common year-round, Red Crossbills and White-winged Crossbills work the spruce forests, and Scarlet Tanagers nest in the deciduous woodlands of the south.
Red Birds Found in Maine
| Species | Red feature | When to see | Habitat |
|---|
| Purple Finch | Raspberry-red wash (male) | Year-round | Mixed forests, feeders |
| Northern Cardinal | Males bright red all over | Year-round | Gardens, suburbs (southern ME) |
| Scarlet Tanager | Males bright red with black wings | Spring and summer | Deciduous forests |
| Ruby-throated Hummingbird | Red throat patch (male) | Spring and summer | Gardens, forest edges |
| Red Crossbill | Males brick-red all over | Year-round | Spruce-fir forests |
| White-winged Crossbill | Males rose-pink to red | Year-round | Boreal coniferous forests |
| Pine Grosbeak | Males rose-pink head and breast | Winter | Spruce-fir forests |
| Red-bellied Woodpecker | Red cap and nape | Year-round (expanding range) | Deciduous forests |
| Red-breasted Sapsucker | Red crown and nape | Year-round | Mixed forests |
| House Finch | Red head, breast, rump (male) | Year-round | Suburbs, urban areas |
| Rose-breasted Grosbeak | Red breast triangle (male) | Spring and summer | Deciduous woodlands |
Best Birding Spots
| Location | Best species |
|---|
| Acadia National Park | Coastal and forest birds, warblers, raptors |
| Monhegan Island | Migration fallout, songbirds, seabirds |
| Scarborough Marsh | Shorebirds, wading birds, salt marsh species |
| Moosehorn NWR | Boreal forest birds, woodcock, warblers |
| Baxter State Park | Boreal specialists, crossbills, grosbeaks |
Seasonal Guide
| Season | What to expect |
|---|
| Spring | Tanagers and grosbeaks arrive, migration at Monhegan Island |
| Summer | Breeding season, boreal species active |
| Autumn | Southbound migration, crossbill irruptions possible |
| Winter | Pine Grosbeaks, crossbills, finches at feeders |
Maine’s boreal forests support Red Crossbills, White-winged Crossbills, and Pine Grosbeaks that are uncommon further south. Monhegan Island is one of the best migration stopover spots on the Atlantic coast, with songbirds piling onto the small island during spring and autumn passage.
