The American Robin summers in Maine, but flies south for the winter. Its return in March or April signals the arrival of spring for many Mainers. |
The robin builds her nest
five to 15 feet above the ground, often in the forked branch of an apple tree. She lays three to five light blue eggs which hatch in 14 days. |
Caring for the babies is a full-time job for the Mother. Fortunately, Dad lends a helping hand until the babies are ready to leave the nest in just two weeks.
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Baby robins hatch in 14 days and grow rapidly. Within two more weeks they are nearly as large as the mother and ready to leave the nest. Juveniles remain close to home for an additional two weeks.
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During the summer both the male and female American Goldfinch don yellow feathers. Although the male is brighter with distinctive black on the head and wings, both are striking
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During the winter, both the male and female lose their bright yellow feathers. Males are pale olive green while females are nearly brown. This Goldfinch is beginning to grow new yellow feathers to prepare for spring.
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The male American Goldfinch creates a striking display of color during breeding season. His brilliant yellow feathers and distinctive black wings and head are sure to attract the attention of females.
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COMING SOON! Photos of Goldfinch Nests and babies! |
The American Goldfinch lines his nest with the down of a thistle, milkweed "fluff" or other soft objects. He waits until mid summer to nest when these plants produce their fluffy seeds.
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The male Purple Finch isn't really purple at all. His bright red head and rosy chest and back make this bird a welcome guest at feeders in the winter. Color varies by species with some brighter than others.
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The female purple finch resembles other finches with speckled brown and white feathers. These birds flock to feeders in late winter.
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This pair of purple finches has found a cozy location to raise their babies. Both parents bring food to hungry babies until they are ready to leave the nest.
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These purple finches chose a wicket basket as nesting grounds. Notice the fuzzy babies and a section of an egg in the nest.
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The Black Capped Chickadee is the Maine State bird for good reason. These friendly little birds frequent feeders all year long - leaving only long enough to breed in late spring and early summer. Some remain in woodlands throughout summer.
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Chickadees build their nests in cavities in trees in late spring. Once the female lays five to seven 1/2 inch oval eggs, she covers them with fur or down to keep them warm. Eggs hatch in 12 to 13 days. Babies fledge at 16 days and are fed for another three to four weeks before they disperse.
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Chickadees are often so tame that they will stop to eat seeds right from the hand - but it does take some patience to train them to be hand-fed. These Maine birds are a favorite at feeders.
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Chickadees visit feeders and carry the seeds to a nearby tree branch. Holding the seed with one foot, he pecks the seed until it opens. Only then does he return for more seeds.
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The Eastern Bluebird can be seen throughout Maine during the summer. It prefers open fields and meadows and nests in tree cavities. This bird eats berries, small insects and worms and can be seen perched on tree limbs or telephone wires.
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The Eastern Bluebird nests readily in Bluebird houses posted along the perimeter of open fields. This couple is busy building a nest from dried grass and will soon settle down to raise a family.
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The female Eastern Bluebird lays two to seven eggs that hatch in 11 to 19 days. Babies are hairless except for a few tufts of gray feathers. Fledgings leave the nest in just 16 to 21 days. Eggs are typically blue, but may be white or tan.
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The mother bluebird continues to feed her babies after they have left the nest. Within a few short weeks, babies will be on their own while Mom prepares to raise a second brood.
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The male Northern Cardinal is a brilliant red with a contrasting black mask over the eyes. This bird creates a splash of color in the winter landscape. Females, however are tan with a few reddish feathers. Cardinals remain in Maine all year long.
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This delightful pair of Cardinals look like they are sharing a tender kiss. The male cardinal is feeding the female seeds from the feeder. Note that the female does not have the characteristic red plumage.
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Cardinals build their nest one to 15 feet above the ground. They may be found wedged into forks in shrubs and trees or built into a tangle of vines. These nests are cup-shaped and about four inches across. The outer rim is made from twigs, but the inside is lined with grass.
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The Northern Cardinal lays two to five eggs which hatch into mostly hairless chicks with a few tufts of gray feathers. Eggs hatch in 11 to 13 days. Babies are ready to fledge within two weeks. Mom and Dad may feed them for a while before they are fully on their own.
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