Birds of New York

New York supports a wide range of birds shaped by its extensive forests, wetlands, lakes, coastal habitats, and its position along major eastern migration routes, including both inland and coastal flyways. This page brings together bird guides focused on species found in the state, including local bird groups and visual identification resources to support field identification throughout the year.

  • 11 Owls in New York: Identification and Seasonal Occurrence

    11 Owls in New York: Identification and Seasonal Occurrence

    New York hosts 11 species of owls, reflecting the state’s wide range of forested landscapes, open grasslands, wetlands, and coastal lowlands. These range from widespread and familiar residents such as the Great Horned Owl, Eastern Screech-Owl, and Barred Owl, often encountered even in large urban parks, to more secretive forest specialists, seasonal migrants, and highly Read more

  • Doves and Pigeons in New York (With Pictures)

    Doves and Pigeons in New York (With Pictures)

    Pigeons are one of the most familiar sights in New York. Whether you’re walking through Central Park, waiting on a subway platform, or eating lunch in a city square, chances are you’re sharing space with a few of them. Often overlooked or dismissed as “rats with wings,” pigeons actually have a long and interesting history Read more

  • 8 Woodpeckers of New York (With Pictures)

    8 Woodpeckers of New York (With Pictures)

    New York’s diverse habitats are home to a fascinating array of wildlife, and among the most captivating are its woodpeckers. These vibrant birds bring the forests to life with their distinctive drumming and colorful plumage. From the bustling city parks to the serene rural woodlands, woodpeckers thrive in various environments, each species adding its own Read more

  • 4 Falcons in New York (With Pictures)

    4 Falcons in New York (With Pictures)

    Falcons, the speedsters of the bird world, are an exhilarating sight for bird watchers and nature enthusiasts in New York. These raptors, known for their incredible speed and precision, inhabit various landscapes across the state, from bustling urban centers to serene natural reserves. Imagine standing on a city rooftop or a cliff edge, binoculars in Read more

  • The 4 Hummingbird Species in New York: Rare birds with striking appearances

    The 4 Hummingbird Species in New York: Rare birds with striking appearances

    Hummingbirds are some of the most interesting birds in the animal kingdom. Even though their eggs are the size of a jelly bean, they can travel thousands of miles every year and fly faster than 60 mph! When most people think of however hummingbirds, they might think of the tropics. But there is a good Read more

  • The 8 Hawk Types Of New York And Where To Find Them

    The 8 Hawk Types Of New York And Where To Find Them

    The Empire State is known for many things, but not so much for its birdlife. Interestingly, many species thrive in New York. Most of the birding hotspots lie in the forested regions up north and around the Great Lakes, but even New York City has an impressive roost. While it may not be considered a Read more