With the first month of autumn come opportunities to see some birds as colorful as the turning leaves in the chilly state of Maine. Known for its lobster, blueberries, and lighthouses, Maine is home to 3,478 miles of coastline, more than even California, and is the northernmost state in New England. Over 80% of the state’s area is covered in forest, and much of the coast is lined with beautiful mountain ranges. In the first month of autumn, bright colors will enter the landscape in changing leaves, and so will these birds.

Along Maine’s 3,478-mile coastline, you may catch a stunning sighting of a Black Skimmer. Normally found south of the state on the Atlantic coast, these dramatic-looking seabirds are likely to visit the shores of Maine this month. The Black Skimmer has a unique, elongated shape. With wings extending past its tail like a swift, and a bill longer than the length of its head like a pelican, the Black Skimmer flies low to the water, dropping its lower bill, skimming the surface for a fish. To be best suited for this foraging style, the Black Skimmer has the rare trait of having a lower mandible that is larger and longer than its upper one. From afar, they are most easily identified by a strong contrast between their solid black upperparts and white lower parts, with a flash of red at the base of their black bills and on their legs.

Another water-dwelling wonder you may see this month is the American Wigeon. The males of these dabbling ducks are recognizable by their white foreheads that extend partway up the crown and swipes of green right behind each eye, running back above the cheek. While not usually visible, males also have a white wing patch and a green bar edged with black on their secondaries. At the rear, their tails have solid black undertail coverts with a solid white section closer to the body. While the females’ plumage is mostly a light brown with darker mottling, all adults have a light-colored bill with a black tip and a dark, smudgy spot around each eye.

One beautiful bird you may have more difficulty spotting is the Ring-necked Pheasant. These popular game birds are very abundant on old farm fields, in tall grass, and in brushy groves in the fall, but their tendency to walk through tall vegetation to forage makes them a challenge to catch. You may see a glimpse of one as it runs through emptier patches in a field from one area of cover to another. Look for a chicken-like body with long tail feathers, particularly in males. The female plumage is a light brown wash overall with dark spots down the back and the sides. The male plumage is a warm, coppery body with white spots across the mantle and black spots elsewhere. The males also have a blue-green neck, a black face with bright red skin surrounding the eyes, and white on the bill, crown, and around the collar, giving the species their common name, Ring-necked Pheasant.

Do you have any favorite colorful birds? If so, are they all one color or multiple? Let us know through our contact page and send us your photos of colorful birds. Come right back here next month for another migration alert!

Mind the Migration! Alert for the Month of September