PORTLAND PRESS HERALD • January 3, 2026
Several off-course tropical birds — what are known as vagrants in the ornithology world — ended up in New England over the holidays. A purple gallinule, a species native to the Caribbean, the southern United States and parts of South America, was found in Houlton and brought to the humane society there before it was transferred to Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation on Dec. 15, and later to Avian Haven in Freedom. The gallinule discovered in Houlton was initially though to be in decent condition, said Avery Berkowitz, veterinarian and executive director of Maine Wildlife Rehabilitation. However, it became evident within a few days that one of its legs had been badly damaged by the cold, and the bird was euthanized Dec. 20 or 21.