Maine · Tree

Black spruce for birds in Maine

Persistent cones in boreal bogs. Native to Maine, where it feeds or shelters 14 backyard bird species.

Scientific name: Picea mariana
Native status: Native in Maine
Hardiness zones: USDA 3b–6b
What birds get from it: conifer seed and cover
Maine birds supported: 14
Nesting birds among them: 11

Growing conditions in Maine

Humid continental with a long, rocky Atlantic coast and extensive northern spruce-fir forest.

Cool, short summers; many songbirds do not begin nesting until late May.

Maine birds that use Black spruce

Long, snowy winters; boreal finches and Pine Grosbeaks irrupt south in poor cone years.

Nesting season it supports in Maine

Plants that feed adults and host caterpillars matter most while nestlings are in the nest. Local nesting windows for birds that use Black spruce:

Black-capped Chickadee — May–July
Red-breasted Nuthatch — June
Evening Grosbeak — July
Pine Siskin — May–June
Pine Warbler — May–June
Canada Jay — April
Golden-crowned Kinglet — June–July
Red Crossbill — February–December
Northern Saw-whet Owl — April–June
Black-backed Woodpecker — June–July

Native plants to pair with Black spruce in Maine

Eastern red cedar

Juniperus virginiana · Tree

Dense evergreen roost cover and bluish 'berries' eaten through winter.

Eastern white pine

Pinus strobus · Tree

Seed-rich cones and year-round shelter.

Eastern hemlock

Tsuga canadensis · Tree

Small cones for siskins and chickadees; dense winter roosting.

Balsam fir

Abies balsamea · Tree

Spruce-budworm habitat and dense winter roosting cover.

White spruce

Picea glauca · Tree

Cone crops drive winter irruptions of finches and crossbills.

Tamarack

Larix laricina · Tree

Deciduous conifer with small cones for siskins and redpolls.

Frequently asked

Is Black spruce native to Maine?

Yes. Black spruce (Picea mariana) is recorded as native in Maine. Maine spans USDA 3b–6b.

What birds does Black spruce attract in Maine?

In Maine, Black spruce supports 14 backyard birds, including Black-capped Chickadee, Red-breasted Nuthatch, Evening Grosbeak, Pine Siskin, Common Redpoll, Pine Warbler.

Does Black spruce help nesting birds in Maine?

11 of those birds nest in Maine: Black-capped Chickadee (May–July), Red-breasted Nuthatch (June), Evening Grosbeak (July), Pine Siskin (May–June).

Which winter birds use Black spruce in Maine?

Winter visitors Common Redpoll, Pine Grosbeak, Common Redpoll use it in Maine during the cold months.

Sources

Timing reflects typical patterns for the region as a whole; local dates vary with elevation and year. Check the linked eBird bar charts for your county.