What is the state bird of Massachusetts?
The Black-capped Chickadee, Poecile atricapillus, named Massachusetts's state bird in 1941. One other state shares it.
- State bird
- Black-capped Chickadee
- Scientific name
- Poecile atricapillus
- Year adopted
- 1941
- Shared with
- Maine
- Status in Massachusetts
- present all year
- Nesting season here
- April–July
- Size
- 4.7–5.9 in, 0.3–0.5 oz
- State game bird
- Wild Turkey (1991)
Seeing a Black-capped Chickadee in Massachusetts
In Massachusetts the Black-capped Chickadee is present all year. Black cap and bib separated by bright white cheeks. Wing coverts edged broadly in white. Clear two-note whistled "fee-bee"; the namesake "chick-a-dee-dee-dee" call adds more "dee"s as threat level rises.
Other states with the Black-capped Chickadee
Massachusetts shares its bird with Maine. Most state birds were picked in the 1920s and 1930s, often through school votes and women's club campaigns, and popular, widespread birds were chosen again and again.
Frequently asked
What is the state bird of Massachusetts?
The Black-capped Chickadee (Poecile atricapillus), adopted in 1941.
When did Massachusetts choose its state bird?
1941.
Do other states have the same state bird as Massachusetts?
Yes: Maine.
Can you see the Black-capped Chickadee in Massachusetts all year?
In Massachusetts it is present all year. Nesting runs about April to July.
Does Massachusetts have other official birds?
Wild Turkey (state game bird, 1991).
Adoption years from state archives and statutes as compiled in the List of U.S. state birds.