The State Bird of Maine is the Black-capped Chickadee

The state bird for Maine is the black-capped chickadee (Parus atricapillus), a small, hardy songbird known for its distinctive call, bold personality, and adaptability to harsh northern climates. Chosen as Maine’s official state bird in 1927, the black-capped chickadee symbolizes resilience, cheerfulness, and the enduring spirit of the Pine Tree State. This selection reflects both ecological significance and cultural admiration for a bird that remains active and vocal throughout Maine’s long, snowy winters—making it a fitting emblem of perseverance and natural beauty.

History and Official Adoption of the Black-capped Chickadee

Maine officially designated the black-capped chickadee as its state bird on March 21, 1927, following a campaign led by schoolchildren and supported by local ornithological societies. At the time, many U.S. states were selecting official birds to promote regional pride and environmental awareness. Maine’s decision stood out because it bypassed more traditional or showy species in favor of a modest yet beloved backyard bird.

The process began when the Maine Federation of Women’s Clubs conducted a poll among schoolchildren across the state. Students were asked to vote for their favorite native bird from a list of candidates that included the robin, blue jay, and common loon. The black-capped chickadee emerged as the overwhelming favorite—a testament to its familiarity and popularity among young citizens. Lawmakers honored this grassroots choice, formalizing the designation through legislative action.

This early adoption made Maine one of the first states to involve youth in symbolic governance decisions, setting a precedent for civic engagement in environmental matters. Unlike some states that later changed their official birds, Maine has maintained the black-capped chickadee without controversy, reinforcing its status as a stable and cherished symbol.

Why the Black-capped Chickadee Represents Maine

The selection of the black-capped chickadee was not arbitrary; it was deeply rooted in the bird’s behavioral traits and ecological role. Several key characteristics made it an ideal representative for Maine:

• Year-round residency: Unlike migratory birds that leave during winter, chickadees remain in Maine throughout the year, braving subzero temperatures and deep snowpacks.
• Vocal presence: Their signature “chick-a-dee-dee-dee” call and sweet whistled “fee-bee” song provide auditory comfort during dark winter months.
• Fearlessness and curiosity: These birds readily approach humans, especially at feeders, displaying intelligence and boldness despite their tiny size (only about 5 inches long).
• Ecological importance: As insectivores, they help control pest populations, including spruce budworm and other forest-damaging insects.

Culturally, the chickadee embodies values associated with Maine identity: independence, toughness, simplicity, and quiet strength. Its ability to survive extreme cold—by lowering body temperature at night and fluffing feathers for insulation—mirrors the resilience of rural communities facing harsh weather conditions.

Biological Profile of the Black-capped Chickadee

To understand why the black-capped chickadee thrives in Maine, it helps to examine its biology and behavior in detail.

Physical Characteristics

The black-capped chickadee is easily identified by its striking plumage:

• Black cap and bib extending from the forehead to the nape
• White cheeks and underparts
• Grayish back and wings
• Short, dark bill and large round head giving it a curious expression

Sexes are nearly identical in appearance, though males may have slightly larger bibs. Juveniles resemble adults but have duller coloring and grayish caps.

Habitat and Distribution

Black-capped chickadees inhabit deciduous and mixed forests, woodlands, suburban areas, and backyards—habitats abundant throughout Maine. They are non-migratory and maintain territories year-round, often forming loose flocks outside breeding season.

Their range extends across much of North America, from Alaska through Canada and into the northern United States. In Maine, they are found in every county, from coastal islands to inland mountain regions like the western mountains near Bethel and Rangeley.

Diet and Foraging Behavior

These omnivorous birds consume a wide variety of foods depending on the season:

• Spring/Summer: Insects, spiders, caterpillars, and eggs—critical for feeding nestlings.
• Fall/Winter: Seeds, berries, suet, and cached food stores.

Chickadees are renowned for their memory and caching behavior. They hide thousands of food items each fall and retrieve them months later using spatial memory—demonstrating cognitive abilities comparable to some primates relative to brain size.

Nesting and Reproduction

Breeding begins in late April or early May. Pairs form monogamous bonds that often last multiple years. The female selects a cavity—either a natural tree hollow or an abandoned woodpecker hole—and lines it with moss, fur, and plant material.

She lays 6–8 white-spotted eggs and incubates them alone for about 12 days. Both parents feed the chicks, which fledge after 16–19 days. A single brood is typical per year, though double-brooding can occur in milder climates.

Feature	Description
Scientific Name	Parus atricapillus
Length	4.7–5.9 inches (12–15 cm)
Wingspan	6.3–8.3 inches (16–21 cm)
Weight	0.3–0.5 ounces (9–14 g)
Lifespan	Average 2–3 years; up to 10+ in rare cases
Conservation Status	Least Concern (IUCN)

How to Spot and Attract Chickadees in Maine

Observing black-capped chickadees is one of the most accessible forms of birdwatching in Maine. Here are practical tips for spotting and supporting them:

Best Places to See Chickadees

• Acadia National Park: Trails around Jordan Pond and Sieur de Monts offer excellent opportunities.
• State wildlife management areas: Locations such as Moosehorn NWR and Scarborough Marsh host healthy populations.
• Backyard feeders: Especially effective in winter when natural food sources are scarce.

Feeding Tips

Chickadees are frequent visitors to feeders. To attract them:

• Offer black oil sunflower seeds—they are a top preference.
• Use tube or hopper feeders with small perches.
• Provide suet cakes, especially in winter for high-energy fat.
• Avoid seed mixes with filler grains like milo, which chickadees typically ignore.

Nesting Support

Install a chickadee-friendly nesting box:

• Entrance hole: 1¼ inch diameter
• Box interior: 4×4 inches at the base
• Mount 5–15 feet above ground on a tree or post
• Face the entrance away from prevailing winds

Do not add nesting material—the female will gather her own. Clean the box annually after nesting season.

Cultural Significance and Symbolism

Beyond its biological attributes, the black-capped chickadee holds symbolic meaning in Maine culture. It appears in children’s books, school logos, and regional artwork. Its image adorns license plates, nature center signage, and even craft beer labels—reflecting its integration into everyday life.

In Native American traditions, particularly among Algonquian-speaking peoples of the Northeast, chickadees are seen as messengers of truth and clarity. Some legends say the bird carries secrets between worlds, while others interpret its call as a reminder to stay alert and joyful despite hardship.

Modern Mainers often describe the chickadee as a “spirit animal” of the winter woods—a tiny beacon of hope during long nights. Poets and writers, including Maine-based authors like Elizabeth Coatsworth, have referenced the bird in works celebrating New England’s wild character.

Common Misconceptions About Maine’s State Bird

Despite its fame, several myths persist about the black-capped chickadee:

• Misconception: It's the same as the Carolina chickadee.
  Fact: While closely related, the Carolina chickadee lives further south and has subtle differences in call and genetics. Hybrid zones exist in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, but Maine only hosts the black-capped species.
• Misconception: It doesn’t survive harsh winters.
  Fact: Chickadees use torpor (controlled hypothermia) to conserve energy and rely on cached food, allowing survival in temperatures below -30°F (-34°C).
• Misconception: All small black-and-white birds are chickadees.
  Fact: Species like the downy woodpecker or white-breasted nuthatch share similar coloration but differ in behavior and structure.

Role in Education and Conservation

The black-capped chickadee plays a vital role in science education across Maine. Many elementary schools incorporate chickadee studies into curricula, teaching students about adaptation, migration (or lack thereof), and ecosystem interdependence.

Citizen science projects like Project FeederWatch and eBird encourage residents to report sightings, contributing valuable data on population trends. Researchers at institutions like the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and the University of Maine study chickadee vocalizations, climate responses, and social behavior—helping inform broader conservation strategies.

Because chickadees are sensitive to habitat fragmentation and pesticide use, their presence serves as an indicator of environmental health. Protecting forests, minimizing light pollution, and planting native vegetation all support chickadee populations—and by extension, Maine’s biodiversity.

Frequently Asked Questions

When did Maine adopt the black-capped chickadee as its state bird?

Maine officially adopted the black-capped chickadee as its state bird on March 21, 1927.

Is the black-capped chickadee found only in Maine?

No, it is widespread across northern North America, but it is the official state bird only of Maine.

How can I tell a black-capped chickadee from a Carolina chickadee?

They look nearly identical, but their calls differ: the black-capped has a slower, two-note “fee-bee” song, while the Carolina’s is faster and higher-pitched.

Do chickadees migrate?

No, black-capped chickadees are non-migratory and remain in Maine year-round.

What does a black-capped chickadee eat?

They eat insects, spiders, seeds, berries, and suet, adjusting their diet seasonally.