Maine's coastline is a haven for diverse species of sea birds, each with unique characteristics. Notable among them are the Atlantic Puffins, known for their colorful bills and sociable colonies along the coast. Black Guillemots catch the eye with their black plumage and red feet, frequenting rocky coastlines. Common Eiders, the largest ducks in the Northern Hemisphere, are spotted along the coast, feeding on shellfish. Northern Gannets impress with their 6-foot wingspan and dramatic diving skills. Finally, Arctic Terns, with their extensive migratory patterns and vibrant bills, thrive in remote coastal areas. For those keen to explore further, there's a variety of other species that shape the scenic seabird tapestry of Maine. In addition to the diverse range of Maine bird species, the state also attracts a variety of Alaska bird species due to its similar climate and habitat. Visitors might catch a glimpse of the striking Steller’s Eider, the majestic Emperor Goose, or the impressive Gyrfalcon during the migratory seasons. These Alaskan visitors, combined with the native seabird population, create a captivating and unique wildlife experience along Maine’s coastline.
Atlantic Puffins

Atlantic Puffins, with their distinctive colorful bills and striking white faces marked with black, are a prominent species of seabird found along the Maine coastline.
These birds are adept at diving, using their wings to propel themselves underwater to snatch small fish like herring.
They nest in burrows on coastal cliffs, forming large, sociable colonies during the breeding season.
Black Guillemots

While Atlantic Puffins are often the stars along Maine's coastlines, Black Guillemots also capture attention with their striking black plumage and vivid red feet. These small seabirds are distinguished by white wing patches and breed along rocky coastlines.
Found in Maine, Black Guillemots feed on small fish and crustaceans, using their agile diving skills and high-pitched calls to thrive in their northern habitat.
Common Eiders

Common Eiders, the largest ducks in the Northern Hemisphere, are a notable presence along Maine's coastlines with their distinct plumage and behaviors.
Male eiders showcase striking black-and-white colors, while females display a softer reddish-brown.
These birds, which feed on shellfish, are beloved by birdwatchers for their unique sounds and antics, making them a fascinating subject for those exploring the Maine coast.
Northern Gannets

Turning our attention to another fascinating seabird, the Northern Gannets adorn Maine's coastlines with their impressive diving skills and striking appearance.
These seabirds, featuring a wingspan up to 6 feet, showcase white plumage with black wingtips and yellow heads. They are known for dramatic plunge-diving to capture fish and breed in large colonies on cliffs along the Maine coast.
Arctic Terns

Arctic Terns, renowned for their extensive migratory patterns, travel from the Arctic to the Antarctic and back each year, embodying an extraordinary feat of endurance.
With a wingspan of 25-30 inches and vibrant red-orange bills, these common seabirds thrive in the northern regions.
Their diet primarily consists of small fish and marine invertebrates, captured during skillful dives.
They nest in colonies, often on remote coastal areas.
Great Cormorants

Great Cormorants, distinguished by their elongated necks and tails, are a notable presence along Maine's coastline. These birds, identifiable by their unique blue mouths, are skilled divers, plunging deep to catch fish.
After their aquatic hunts, they are often seen drying their expansive wings. The guttural sounds they produce add a distinctive audio backdrop to the scenic views of the Maine coastline.
Razorbills

While Great Cormorants are a familiar sight along the Maine coast, Razorbills also captivate observers with their striking black and white plumage and robust bills. Members of the Alcidae bird family, these seabirds are recognized for their thick bill marked with a vertical white line.
Razorbills are excellent divers, adept at plunging over 300 feet deep to snag fish, showcasing their adeptness in both air and water.
Common Loons

Common Loons, often heard before they are seen, are celebrated for their evocative calls and striking appearance throughout Maine's lakes and coastal regions.
These iconic birds are distinguished by their black-and-white plumage, red eyes, and dagger-like bill. Excellent divers, they perform elaborate courtship displays and nest near freshwater bodies, embodying the wild essence of Maine's wilderness with their haunting vocalizations and presence.
Red-necked Phalaropes

Red-necked Phalaropes, known for their distinctive spinning feeding behavior, migrate to Maine's coastal areas during their non-breeding season. Originating from Arctic breeding grounds, these small seabirds exhibit unique feeding behavior by creating water upwellings through their spinning motion.
They are also admired for their graceful flight patterns, often seen moving in agile, coordinated flocks across Maine's scenic coastal backdrops.
Common Murres

Shifting focus to another notable species, the Common Murres populate Maine's rocky coastlines, where their distinct black and white plumage and adept diving skills are observed. These seabirds form dense breeding colonies, important to the marine ecosystem.
Each season, they lay uniquely shaped eggs to prevent loss, underscoring their significant role in nutrient cycling and sustaining fish populations along the coast.
Leach's Storm-Petrels

Leach's Storm-Petrels are small seabirds with a distinctive cackling call that thrive on the remote islands off Maine's coast. They are expert foragers, subsisting on small fish, squid, and plankton. Their fluttering flight and dark plumage are notable characteristics. One unique ability they possess is using their webbed feet for buoyancy, almost appearing to walk on water.
Lesser Black-backed Gulls

Lesser Black-backed Gulls, distinguished by their dark gray backs and robust yellow bills, are a common sight along Maine's coastal regions. These medium-sized gulls are opportunistic feeders, thriving on a diet that includes fish and invertebrates.
They nest in colonies on cliffs or islands and are noted for their loud, 'laughing' calls. Their adaptability to various habitats makes them a notable presence in coastal Maine.
Roseate Terns

Roseate Terns, distinguished by their delicate pink underparts, are a mesmerizing sight along the coastal islands of Maine. These elegant seabirds feature sharply forked tails and pointed wings, enhancing their agility in flight.
They breed on rocky cliffs in colonies, performing graceful diving maneuvers to catch fish. Conservation efforts are essential to mitigate their vulnerability to predation and habitat disturbance, preserving these iconic Maine seabirds.
Ring-billed Gulls

Ring-billed Gulls, easily identified by their distinct black ring around a yellow bill, are a common sight along Maine's varied coastal and inland waterways. These medium-sized birds exhibit scavenging behaviors, opportunistically feeding in diverse environments from beaches to urban areas.
Their gray wings, black tips, and white bodies, along with a recognizable 'ki-ow' call, make them notable during their gatherings in large flocks.
What Sea Birds in Maine Are Similar to Birds in Galveston?
In Maine, seabirds like puffins and terns are similar to the types of birds in Galveston with pictures. These seabirds can be found along the coast, hunting for fish and nesting in colonies. Both locations offer great opportunities for birdwatching and enjoying the beauty of these coastal creatures. In both Maine and Galveston, the thriving marine ecosystems provide a rich habitat for various species, making them prime spots to observe the fascinating behaviors of seabirds. Visitors often marvel at the distinct types of water birds that frequent these areas, such as pelicans, herons, and other waders, which coexist alongside puffins and terns. These coastal regions serve as vital breeding and feeding grounds, highlighting the importance of preserving their natural environments.
Herring Gulls

Herring Gulls, recognized as the most prevalent gull species in Maine, feature a striking appearance with their white heads, gray wings, and pink-legged stature. These birds are noted for their 'laughing' calls and opportunistic coastal feeding habits, often scavenging along Maine's shores.
Adults display a distinctive red spot on their bills, which fades during winter, adding to their unique identification markers.