Maine is a state located in the northeastern region of the United States and is known for its diverse and abundant wildlife. The state's varied landscapes, including forests, wetlands, coastal areas, and lakes, provide habitats for a wide range of species. From large mammals such as moose and black bears to small mammals like raccoons and squirrels, there is a rich diversity of animal life in Maine.
Some of the most iconic animals native to Maine include moose, which are the largest member of the deer family and can grow up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder. Another well-known species is the black bear, which can be found in forests, wetlands, and fields throughout the state. White-tailed deer, raccoons, and bobcats are also commonly seen in the wilds of Maine.
In addition to mammals, Maine is home to a variety of bird species, including several types of songbirds, waterfowl, and seabirds. The state's coastline provides crucial habitats for seabirds, including puffins, gannets, cormorants, and ospreys. The bald eagle, which is a symbol of the United States, can also be seen in Maine, especially along the coast and near rivers and lakes.
The state of Maine is a unique and important area for wildlife, and many species rely on its diverse habitats for survival. Conservation efforts and responsible land management practices are crucial for ensuring the continued health and diversity of Maine's wildlife populations.
Atlantic Lobster
The Atlantic Lobster (Homarus americanus), also known as the American lobster, is one of the most well-known and economically important species of lobster in the world. It is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, including the waters off the coast of Maine. The Atlantic lobster is known for its distinctive claws, large size, and succulent meat.
Atlantic lobsters can grow up to 3 feet long and weigh up to 40 pounds, making them one of the largest species of lobster. They are typically a brownish-green color with dark blue spots and have two large claws, one of which is used for crushing and the other for cutting. The Atlantic lobster is a nocturnal animal that lives in rocky crevices and caves along the ocean floor.
Atlantic lobsters are omnivores and feed on a variety of foods including mollusks, crustaceans, and small fish. They are also known to scavenge for dead animals and plants on the ocean floor.
In Maine, the Atlantic lobster industry is a major contributor to the state's economy, with millions of pounds of lobster harvested each year. The lobsters are caught using baited traps and are typically harvested in the warmer months when their meat is considered to be of the highest quality. The Atlantic lobster is considered to be a sustainable fishery, with strict regulations in place to ensure the health of the lobster population and its habitat.
Gray Seal
The Gray Seal (Halichoerus grypus) is a species of seal native to the North Atlantic Ocean and is commonly found along the coast of Maine. It is a large marine mammal, with adult males typically weighing between 400 and 800 pounds and measuring up to 7 feet in length. The Gray Seal is distinguishable from other seals by its large size and its distinctive nose, which is long, narrow, and hooked.
Gray Seals are opportunistic feeders, consuming a wide variety of prey including fish, squid, and crustaceans. In Maine, they are often seen near fishing boats and lobster traps, taking advantage of the abundant seafood in the area. These seals are known to haul out on rocks and beaches during the winter months to mate and give birth to their young.
Gray Seals are an important part of the marine ecosystem in Maine and play a crucial role in maintaining a healthy and balanced ocean environment. Despite being hunted for their fur and oil in the past, the Gray Seal population in Maine has rebounded in recent years, thanks to conservation efforts and protective legislation. Today, Gray Seals are considered a protected species and play an important role in attracting tourists to the coast of Maine, where they can often be seen in their natural habitat.
Moose
Moose are large, majestic animals that are native to the state of Maine. They are the largest member of the deer family, and adult males can reach up to 6 feet tall at the shoulder and weigh up to 1,200 pounds. Moose are characterized by their long legs, wide antlers, and distinctive bell-like vocalization.
Moose are found throughout the forests, wetlands, and fields of Maine and are most active during the early morning and late evening hours. They feed primarily on aquatic plants and the leaves, twigs, and bark of deciduous trees, such as willows and birches. During the winter months, moose are known to break through the ice to access the aquatic plants beneath the surface.
Moose are solitary animals and generally do not form social bonds with other individuals. During the mating season, known as the rut, male moose will compete for the attention of female moose, often engaging in aggressive displays of their antlers. Female moose give birth to one or two calves in the spring and will fiercely defend their young from any perceived threats.
In addition to their role in the ecosystem, moose are a popular animal for wildlife viewing and hunting in Maine. However, moose-vehicle collisions are a common problem, especially in areas with high traffic volumes. It is important to be cautious when driving in areas where moose are known to be present and to always follow wildlife viewing guidelines to minimize impacts on these animals.
Northern Gannet
The Northern Gannet, also known as the Soland Goose, is a seabird species native to the coastal regions of Maine. It is a large and striking bird, with a distinctive appearance and impressive hunting abilities.
The Northern Gannet has a white plumage, a long, slender neck, and a yellow head with a sharp, hooked bill. It is a powerful flier, capable of reaching speeds of up to 60 miles per hour as it dives into the ocean to catch its prey.
In the summer, Northern Gannets can be found along the coast of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They typically nest on rocky cliffs or islands, and they form large colonies with thousands of individuals.
The Northern Gannet is a diving bird, and it feeds primarily on fish and squid. It uses its sharp bill and webbed feet to catch its prey, diving from great heights into the ocean to capture its food.
Black Bear
Black bears are one of the most well-known and widely distributed mammals in the state of Maine. These large, powerful animals are native to the state's forests, wetlands, and fields and are an important part of the state's natural heritage.
Adult black bears can grow up to 6 feet long and weigh up to 600 pounds, with males typically being larger than females. They are characterized by their distinctive, shaggy fur, which is usually black in color, although some individuals may be brown or cinnamon-colored. Black bears are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including fruits, nuts, insects, and small mammals.
Black bears are generally solitary animals, although they may come into close contact with other bears during the mating season or while feeding on a concentrated food source. Female black bears give birth to one to three cubs in the winter and will fiercely defend their young from any perceived threats.
Black bears are important for both the ecosystem and for human recreation in Maine. They play a crucial role in seed dispersal and in shaping the structure of the forest, and are popular for wildlife viewing and hunting. However, it is important to always follow bear-resistant food storage guidelines and to never feed bears, as this can lead to conflicts and dangerous situations for both bears and humans.
Harbor Seal
The Harbor Seal, also known as the common seal, is a marine mammal that is native to the waters surrounding Maine. They have a distinctive appearance with a rounded head, short snout, and large eyes. Harbor seals have a thick, insulated fur that keeps them warm in the cold waters. They can vary in color from light to dark gray and even brown.
Harbor seals are found in a variety of coastal habitats including rocky shorelines, sandy beaches, and estuaries. They are generally solitary animals, but can also be seen in large groups, especially during breeding season. They feed on a variety of prey including fish, squid, and crustaceans.
In Maine, Harbor Seals are commonly seen in the Gulf of Maine and along the coastline. They are an important part of the marine ecosystem and play a vital role in maintaining a healthy balance of species. Harbor seals are protected under the Marine Mammal Protection Act and it is illegal to harass, hunt, or harm them in any way.
White-Tailed Deer
White-tailed deer are a common and well-known species of wildlife found in the state of Maine. These graceful and agile animals are native to the state's forests, wetlands, and fields and play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
White-tailed deer are medium-sized ungulates, with adult males reaching up to 6 feet in length and weighing up to 200 pounds, while females are typically smaller, averaging around 4.5 feet in length and 130 pounds in weight. They are characterized by their distinctive white tails, which they raise and wave in the air when they sense danger. White-tailed deer are herbivores, feeding on a variety of plant material, including leaves, twigs, and fruits.
White-tailed deer are social animals, with female deer forming close bonds with other individuals, particularly their offspring. During the mating season, known as the rut, male deer will engage in aggressive displays to compete for the attention of female deer. Female deer give birth to one or two fawns in the spring, which they raise and care for until the next mating season.
Raccoon
Raccoons are a common and well-known species of wildlife found in the state of Maine. These small, omnivorous mammals are known for their distinctive black masks and bushy tails, and play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Raccoons are medium-sized mammals, averaging around 2-3 feet in length and weighing between 10-30 pounds. They are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas. Raccoons are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including fruits, nuts, insects, and small mammals.
Raccoons are nocturnal animals and are most active at night. They are excellent climbers and are known for their agility and dexterity, which they use to access food and shelter. Raccoons are solitary animals and do not form social bonds with other individuals.
In Maine, raccoons play an important role in the ecosystem, serving as both predators and prey. However, they can also cause problems for humans, particularly in urban areas where they may raid garbage cans and cause damage to property. It is important to follow proper garbage disposal practices and to take steps to discourage raccoons from becoming a nuisance.
Osprey
The Osprey, also known as the sea hawk or fish hawk, is a large bird of prey native to Maine. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive appearance, with a white head, brown body, and white underparts.
Ospreys are specialist fish-eaters, and they are found near bodies of water, including lakes, rivers, and the coast. They hunt by diving from the air into the water to catch fish with their sharp talons, and they are well adapted for this lifestyle, with reversible outer toes that allow them to grasp their prey more easily.
In Maine, Ospreys are a common sight along the coast and near large bodies of water. They nest in tall trees, on platforms, or on man-made structures, and they typically lay two to three eggs each year. The young Ospreys fledge after several weeks, and they will typically stay close to their parents for several months, learning how to hunt and feed themselves.
Ospreys were once threatened by habitat loss, pesticides, and other factors, but they have made a strong comeback in recent years. Conservation efforts, such as habitat protection and management, have helped to protect this species and its habitat, and it is now a common sight along the coast of Maine.
Bobcat
Bobcats are a species of wild cat native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These secretive and elusive animals are known for their distinctive appearance and play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Bobcats are medium-sized cats, averaging around 2-3 feet in length and weighing between 20-35 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a short, reddish-brown or gray fur, black tufts on the tips of their ears, and a short, bobbed tail. Bobcats are solitary animals and are active primarily at night, although they may also be active during the day.
Bobcats are carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are skilled hunters, using their excellent hearing and vision to locate prey and their powerful legs and sharp claws to capture it. Bobcats are also known for their agility and climbing abilities, which they use to escape from danger.
Coyote
Coyotes are a species of wild canid found throughout much of North America, including the state of Maine. These highly adaptable and intelligent animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Coyotes are medium-sized canids, averaging around 4-5 feet in length and weighing between 30-50 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a long snout, bushy tail, and a reddish-brown or gray fur. Coyotes are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.
Coyotes are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles, as well as fruit and vegetables. They are highly intelligent and adaptable, and have been known to scavenge from human sources such as garbage cans and pet food dishes. Coyotes are social animals and typically form family groups consisting of a breeding pair and their offspring.
Red Fox
Red foxes are a species of wild canid native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of the Northern Hemisphere. These highly adaptable and intelligent animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Red foxes are medium-sized canids, averaging around 3-4 feet in length and weighing between 10-15 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a red or orange fur, a white underbelly, and a bushy tail. Red foxes are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.
Red foxes are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, and insects. They are also known for their cunning and intelligence, and are skilled hunters and scavengers. Red foxes are solitary animals and do not form social bonds with other individuals.
Gray Fox
Gray foxes are a species of wild canid native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These highly adaptable and versatile animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Gray foxes are medium-sized canids, averaging around 3-4 feet in length and weighing between 10-15 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a gray or silver fur, a black-tipped tail, and a distinctive black stripe down their back. Gray foxes are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.
Gray foxes are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including small mammals, birds, reptiles, fruits, and insects. They are also known for their versatility and are skilled hunters, scavengers, and climbers. Gray foxes are solitary animals and do not form social bonds with other individuals.
Great Black-Backed Gull
The Great Black-Backed Gull is the largest gull species in the world and can be found along the coast of Maine. It is easily recognizable by its large size and distinctive black back and wings. The head, neck, and underparts of the Great Black-Backed Gull are white, and it has a yellow bill with a red spot near the tip. Its legs and feet are pink or yellow.
The Great Black-Backed Gull is a highly opportunistic feeder, feeding on a wide range of food sources including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, small mammals, and garbage. It is known to be a powerful hunter, and it will often chase other birds to steal their food.
In Maine, the Great Black-Backed Gull can be found along the coast, near large bodies of water, and in coastal communities. They typically nest on offshore islands or on the mainland near the coast, and they lay two to three eggs each year. The young gulls fledge after several weeks and will typically stay near their parents for several months, learning how to hunt and feed themselves.
Fisher
Fishers are a species of medium-sized carnivore native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These elusive and stealthy animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Fishers are medium-sized carnivores, averaging around 3 feet in length and weighing between 7-12 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a dark brown or black fur, a bushy tail, and a slender body. Fishers are highly adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, including forests, wetlands, and urban areas.
Fishers are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are known for their elusiveness and stealth, and are skilled hunters and climbers. Fishers are solitary animals and do not form social bonds with other individuals.
Marten
Martens are a species of small carnivore native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These agile and active animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Martens are small carnivores, averaging around 18-24 inches in length and weighing between 1-2 pounds. They have a distinctive appearance, with a long, slender body, a bushy tail, and a dense, soft fur that varies in color from reddish-brown to yellowish-brown. Martens are highly agile and active, and are capable of running and climbing through the trees with ease.
Martens are opportunistic carnivores, feeding on a variety of prey including small mammals, birds, and reptiles. They are also known to consume fruits and insects. Martens are solitary animals and do not form social bonds with other individuals.
Herring Gull
The Herring Gull is a large, common gull that can be found along the coast of Maine. It is easily recognizable by its white head, neck, and underparts, as well as its gray back and wings. The Herring Gull also has a yellow bill with a red spot near the tip, and it has pink legs and feet.
Herring Gulls are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including fish, crustaceans, mollusks, and garbage. They are known to be opportunistic feeders, and they will often scavenge along the coast or in landfills for food.
In Maine, Herring Gulls are most commonly found along the coast and near large bodies of water, where they can feed on the abundant fish populations. They typically nest in large colonies on islands or on the mainland near the coast, and they lay two to three eggs each year. The young gulls fledge after several weeks, and they will typically stay near their parents for several months, learning how to hunt and feed themselves.
Herring Gulls are abundant and widespread along the coast of Maine, and they are not considered to be threatened or endangered. They are a common sight along the shoreline and on offshore islands, and they play an important role in the coastal ecosystem by consuming large amounts of fish and other aquatic animals.
Squirrels (red, gray, and fox)
Squirrels are a group of small mammals native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These active and adaptable animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
There are several species of squirrels found in Maine, including the Eastern Gray Squirrel, the Red Squirrel, and the Fox Squirrel. Squirrels are small mammals, typically weighing between 1-2 pounds and ranging in size from 10-20 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with a bushy tail, large eyes, and sharp claws for climbing.
Squirrels are omnivores, feeding on a variety of foods including nuts, seeds, fruits, insects, and bird eggs. They are also known for their active and acrobatic behavior, and are skilled climbers and foragers.
Squirrels are also important seed dispersers, helping to distribute plant species throughout the state's forests. However, squirrels can also cause problems for humans, particularly in urban areas where they may raid bird feeders or damage property. It is important to follow proper bird feeder management practices to minimize conflicts with squirrels.
Snowshoe Hare
Snowshoe Hares are a species of lagomorph native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These active and adaptable animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Snowshoe Hares are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 2-4 pounds and ranging in size from 16-20 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with large hind feet and a thick, soft fur that varies in color from brown to white depending on the season. Snowshoe Hares are active animals and are known for their agility and speed, especially in deep snow.
Snowshoe Hares are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including leaves, twigs, and bark. They are also known for their adaptability, able to survive in a wide range of habitats from dense forests to subalpine tundra.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbit
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are a species of lagomorph native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These active and adaptable animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 2-4 pounds and ranging in size from 16-20 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with long hind legs, large floppy ears, and a thick, soft fur that is typically a reddish-brown color. Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are known for their agility and speed, and are excellent runners, able to reach speeds of up to 18 miles per hour.
Eastern Cottontail Rabbits are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, clovers, and agricultural crops. They are also known for their adaptability, able to survive in a wide range of habitats from suburban gardens to open fields and pastures.
Muskrat
Muskrats are a species of semi-aquatic rodent native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These fascinating and adaptable animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Muskrats are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 1-4 pounds and ranging in size from 16-25 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with a cylindrical body, short legs, and webbed feet, which are perfectly adapted for swimming. Muskrats have dense, soft fur that ranges in color from brown to black, and their tail is flat and scaly.
Muskrats are semi-aquatic animals and are most commonly found near slow-moving streams, marshes, and ponds. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of aquatic plants including cattails, water lilies, and rushes. In addition to their diet, Muskrats play an important role in shaping their habitats through their burrowing and dam-building behaviors.
Woodchuck
Woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, are a species of burrowing rodent native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Woodchucks are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 4-14 pounds and ranging in size from 16-24 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and long claws, which are perfectly adapted for digging. Woodchucks have dense, soft fur that ranges in color from brown to gray, and their tail is bushy and relatively short.
Woodchucks are burrowing animals and are most commonly found near open fields, pastures, and woodlands. They are herbivores, feeding on a variety of vegetation including grasses, clovers, and agricultural crops. In addition to their diet, Woodchucks play an important role in shaping their habitats through their burrowing behaviors.
Porcupine
Porcupines are a species of slow-moving, spiny rodent native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These fascinating and adaptable animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Porcupines are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 10-35 pounds and ranging in size from 24-36 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and long, sharp quills that cover much of their body. Porcupines have dense, soft fur that ranges in color from brown to gray, and their tail is covered in long, sharp quills.
Porcupines are arboreal animals and are most commonly found in forests and woodlands, where they feed on a variety of vegetation, including tree bark, leaves, and twigs. In addition to their diet, porcupines play an important role in shaping their habitats through their foraging and tree-climbing behaviors.
Skunk
Skunks are a species of nocturnal, omnivorous mammal native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of North America. These distinctive and easily recognized animals play an important role in the state's ecosystem.
Skunks are medium-sized mammals, weighing between 4-14 pounds and ranging in size from 20-30 inches in length, including their tail. They have a distinctive appearance, with a stocky body, short legs, and a black and white striped pattern on their fur that serves as a warning to potential predators. Skunks have a potent defense mechanism in the form of a foul-smelling spray that they can release from their anal glands as a deterrent.
Skunks are omnivores and feed on a variety of food sources, including insects, small mammals, and plant material. They are found in a variety of habitats, including forests, grasslands, and suburban areas.
Bats (little brown, eastern small-footed, and big brown bats)
Bats are a group of mammals native to the state of Maine and found throughout much of the world. There are three species of bats commonly found in Maine: the little brown bat, the eastern small-footed bat, and the big brown bat. These flying mammals play an important role in their ecosystem, serving as pollinators and helping to control insect populations.
The little brown bat is a small species, with a wingspan of 8-10 inches and weighing only 5-10 grams. They are dark brown in color with a glossy, velvety fur. Little brown bats feed on a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and moths, and they are known for their high level of agility and their ability to fly and hunt in the dark.
The eastern small-footed bat is a small species, with a wingspan of 7-9 inches and weighing only 4-6 grams. They are dark brown in color with a glossy, velvety fur and distinctive small feet. Eastern small-footed bats feed on a variety of insects, including mosquitoes and moths, and they are known for their high level of agility and their ability to fly and hunt in the dark.
The big brown bat is a larger species, with a wingspan of 12-13 inches and weighing 12-16 grams. They are dark brown in color with a glossy, velvety fur. Big brown bats feed on a variety of insects, including beetles and moths, and they are known for their ability to fly and hunt in the dark and their high level of agility.
In Maine, bats play an important role in the state's ecosystem as pollinators and as predators of insects. Their presence helps to control insect populations, including mosquitoes, and they also play a critical role in the pollination of a variety of plant species.
Common Tern
The Common Tern is a seabird species native to the coastal regions of Maine. This bird is a medium-sized tern, with a wingspan of approximately 30-34 cm (12-13 in) and a length of 38-41 cm (15-16 in). They have a distinctive appearance, with a sharp, hooked bill, a forked tail, and a distinctive black cap on the head.
In the summer, Common Terns can be found along the coast of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They typically nest on sandy or rocky beaches, or on offshore islands. During the breeding season, they feed primarily on small fish, which they catch by diving into the water from the air.
Common Terns are migratory birds, and they spend the winter months in South America. They are highly social birds, and they form large colonies during the breeding season. They are also highly vocal, and their calls and songs can be heard in their breeding colonies.
Arctic Tern
The Arctic Tern is a species of seabird native to the coastal regions of Maine. It is a migratory bird, with one of the longest migrations of any animal, traveling from its Arctic breeding grounds to its wintering grounds in the Antarctic each year.
The Arctic Tern has a distinctive appearance, with a slender, pointed bill, a forked tail, and a black cap on its head. It is a medium-sized tern, with a wingspan of approximately 34-36 cm (13-14 in) and a length of 33-38 cm (13-15 in).
In the summer, Arctic Terns can be found along the coast of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They typically nest on rocky cliffs, offshore islands, or sandy beaches. During the breeding season, they feed on small fish, which they catch by diving into the water from the air.
The Arctic Tern is a highly social bird, and it forms large colonies during the breeding season. It is also a highly vocal species, and its calls and songs can be heard in its breeding colonies.
Atlantic Horseshoe Crab
The Horseshoe Crab is a marine arthropod that is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, including the coast of Maine. They are not actually crabs, but are more closely related to spiders and scorpions. They have a hard, horseshoe-shaped exoskeleton that protects their soft body, and they use their long, spiny tails for defense and for flipping themselves over if they get stuck upside down.
Horseshoe Crabs are most commonly found in shallow waters along the coast and in tidal flats, where they feed on mollusks and other small organisms. They are an important species for several reasons. Firstly, they are a critical food source for migratory shorebirds, who feed on the eggs of horseshoe crabs during their long journeys. Secondly, the blue blood of horseshoe crabs contains a unique compound called Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL), which is used to test for bacterial contamination in medical equipment, vaccines, and intravenous drugs.
Despite their importance, the populations of horseshoe crabs have declined in recent years due to overharvesting, loss of habitat, and other environmental pressures. Conservation efforts are underway to protect and preserve these fascinating creatures, which have been around for over 450 million years.
Black Guillemot
The Black Guillemot is a species of seabird native to the coastal regions of Maine. It is a medium-sized bird, known for its distinctive appearance and behavior.
The Black Guillemot has a black plumage with a white patch on the face and a bright red bill and feet. It is a strong swimmer and diver, and it feeds primarily on fish and invertebrates.
In the summer, Black Guillemots can be found along the coast of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They typically nest in crevices or cavities in cliffs or rocks along the shore, or in tree cavities near water.
The Black Guillemot is a highly social bird, and it forms large colonies during the breeding season. It is also a highly vocal species, and its calls and songs can be heard in its breeding colonies.
Atlantic Puffin
The Atlantic Puffin, also known as the Common Puffin, is a species of seabird native to the coastal regions of Maine. It is one of the most recognizable and well-known seabirds, with its distinctive appearance and quirky behavior.
The Atlantic Puffin has a black back and wings, a white underbelly, and a brightly colored bill with a large, triangular "parrot-like" shape. It is a strong swimmer and diver, and it feeds primarily on small fish and squid.
In the summer, Atlantic Puffins can be found along the coast of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They typically nest in burrows or crevices in cliffs or rocks along the shore, and they use their brightly colored bill to attract mates and defend their territories.
The Atlantic Puffin is a highly social bird, and it forms large colonies during the breeding season. It is also a highly vocal species, and its calls and songs can be heard in its breeding colonies.
Double-Crested Cormorant
The Double-Crested Cormorant is a large, widespread bird species native to the coastal regions of Maine. It is a distinctive bird with a black plumage, a long, hooked bill, and two distinctive crests of feathers on its head.
Double-Crested Cormorants are excellent swimmers and divers, and they feed mainly on fish and other aquatic animals. They use their strong bill and webbed feet to catch their prey, diving from the surface of the water into the depths below.
In the summer months, Double-Crested Cormorants can be found along the coasts of Maine, where they breed and raise their young. They form large colonies on rocky islands and cliffs, and they are an important part of the local ecosystem, helping to control populations of fish and other aquatic animals.
In recent years, the Double-Crested Cormorant population has faced a number of challenges, including habitat loss, overfishing, and pollution. Despite these challenges, the species has managed to maintain its populations, and it is still a common and widespread bird along the coast of Maine.
Conservation efforts are underway to protect and conserve this species, including habitat protection and management, and research into its behavior and ecology. By working to protect this important bird and its habitat, we can help to ensure that the Double-Crested Cormorant will
Minke Whale
The Minke Whale is a species of baleen whale found in the Atlantic Ocean, including in the waters off the coast of Maine. Minke Whales are relatively small, reaching lengths of up to 10 meters and weights of up to 10 tons. They are sleek and streamlined, with a narrow, pointed snout, a tall, triangular dorsal fin, and a long, slender body. Minke Whales feed mainly on small fish, krill, and other small crustaceans, and they filter the water through their baleen plates to capture their prey.
In the waters off Maine, Minke Whales are most commonly seen in the spring and summer months, when they come close to shore to feed and mate. They are generally solitary animals, but can sometimes be seen in small groups. Minke Whales are also known for their acrobatic displays, and are often seen breaching, spy-hopping, and tail-slapping.
Despite their presence in the waters off Maine, Minke Whales are still not well understood, and much more research is needed to fully understand their biology, behavior, and population dynamics. Nevertheless, they are considered to be an important part of the marine ecosystem in the Gulf of Maine, and play a vital role in maintaining the balance of the food chain.
Bald Eagle
The Bald Eagle is a large bird of prey that is native to Maine and can be found throughout North America. It is easily recognizable due to its distinctive white head, tail, and underparts, which contrast with its dark brown body and wings.
Bald Eagles are opportunistic hunters and feed on a variety of prey, including fish, small mammals, and carrion. They are also known to steal food from other birds, such as ospreys, and they are capable of diving at speeds of over 100 miles per hour to capture their prey.
In Maine, Bald Eagles are most commonly found along the coast and near large bodies of water, where they have access to abundant fish populations. They typically nest in tall trees near water, and they lay one to three eggs each year. The young eagles fledge after several weeks, and they will typically stay close to their parents for several months, learning how to hunt and feed themselves.
Razorbill
The Razorbill is a large seabird species that is native to the coastal waters of Maine. It is a member of the Alcidae family, which also includes puffins and guillemots. The Razorbill is easily recognizable by its large, black, triangular-shaped bill and its slate-grey plumage.
Razorbills breed along the rocky cliffs of the North Atlantic, and they can be found in large colonies along the coast of Maine during the breeding season. During the non-breeding season, they are more widely distributed at sea, and they are known to be strong swimmers and divers.
Razorbills feed mainly on small fish and squid, and they have been known to dive to depths of over 200 feet in search of food. They are capable of diving for several minutes at a time and are able to swim underwater using their wings for propulsion.
In Maine, Razorbills breed in large colonies along the rocky cliffs and offshore islands of the coast. They typically lay a single egg each year, which is incubated by both the male and female for approximately a month. The chick fledges after about six to seven weeks, at which time it is able to feed itself.
Atlantic Sea Scallop
The Atlantic sea scallop is a bivalve mollusk species that is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, including the waters off the coast of Maine. The scallop is known for its distinctive, fan-shaped shell, which can range in color from light beige to a dark reddish-brown. The edible meat of the Atlantic sea scallop is considered a delicacy and is highly prized for its sweet, rich flavor.
Atlantic sea scallops are typically harvested using dredges, which drag the ocean floor to collect the scallops. The scallop population in Maine and other areas of the Atlantic coast has been impacted by overfishing and habitat loss, and management efforts are underway to ensure the sustainability of this important fishery. Despite these challenges, the Atlantic sea scallop remains a valuable and important species for both the fishing industry and for the local ecosystem.
Black-Legged Kittiwake
The Black-Legged Kittiwake is a seabird species native to Maine, and is widely distributed along the coasts of the North Atlantic Ocean. They are medium-sized birds, with a wingspan of approximately 4 feet and a body length of about 16 inches. They are characterized by their light gray backs, white underbellies, and distinctive black legs and feet. They have a sharp, hooked beak that is used for catching fish and other marine life.
Black-Legged Kittiwakes typically nest along coastal cliffs and offshore islands, and they are often seen in large colonies with thousands of other gulls and seabirds. In Maine, they can be found along the rugged coastlines, especially in areas with abundant fish populations. They are known to feed primarily on small fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals, and they are an important indicator of the health of the marine ecosystem.
These seabirds are highly gregarious and are often seen in large flocks, especially during migration. They are strong fliers, and they are known to travel long distances in search of food. They have a high reproductive rate, and their populations are typically stable. However, like many seabird species, they are vulnerable to habitat loss and degradation, as well as pollution and other human-related activities.
Murre
The Murre, also known as the Common Murre or Guillemot, is a seabird that is native to the Atlantic coast of North America, including the state of Maine. Murres are members of the auk family and are known for their distinctive appearance, with their black and white plumage, short necks, and chunky bodies.
These birds are excellent swimmers and divers, with their webbed feet and streamlined bodies making them well-adapted to life in the water. They feed primarily on small fish and invertebrates, diving to catch their prey. Murres are also capable of diving to depths of up to 200 feet in search of food.
During breeding season, Murres can be found in large colonies along the coast of Maine, where they nest on cliffs and rocky outcroppings. They lay a single egg on a narrow ledge, which is incubated by both parents. The chicks are precocial, meaning they are able to move and swim soon after hatching.
While Murres are considered a common species, their populations have declined in recent years due to a variety of factors, including habitat loss, oil spills, and over-fishing. Conservation efforts are underway to help protect and recover populations of these birds, including habitat restoration and protection, oil spill response and cleanup, and reducing the impact of fishing on their food sources.
In conclusion, the state of Maine is home to a rich diversity of wildlife species that are an important part of the state's natural heritage. From its majestic moose and black bears to its diverse bird populations, Maine's wildlife plays a crucial role in the state's ecosystem and provides important benefits to its residents and visitors. Whether you are a resident of Maine or just visiting, take the time to appreciate and learn about the state's incredible wildlife, and remember to always follow responsible wildlife viewing practices to protect these species and their habitats.