All about Birds
36 Birds in New York 2023 [Photos and Guide]
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8 月
You’re about to discover the top 36 most beautiful birds of New York. Let’s dive in!
36 Most Adorable Birds of New York
Here are the 36 most adorable birds of New York:
- American Goldfinch
Appearance
Bright yellow plumage of the male, with black wings and tail. Females have duller yellow-green plumage.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, particularly thistle, and occasionally insects.
Breeding
Breeds are later than many other birds, with the males changing to a duller yellow in the fall. Nest is a cup-shaped structure made of plant fibers and spider silk, often attached to a branch.
Distribution
Found throughout North America, with a range that extends from coast to coast and from northern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The American Goldfinch is the state bird of New Jersey, Iowa, and Washington.
- Bald Eagle
Appearance
Large bird of prey with distinctive white head and tail, dark brown body, and powerful beak and talons.
Diet
Feeds primarily on fish and waterfowl, but will also take small mammals and carrion.
Breeding
Builds large nests in tall trees or on cliffs, made of sticks and lined with softer materials. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young.
Distribution
Found throughout North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to Florida and from California to Maine.
Fun Fact
The Bald Eagle was once on the brink of extinction in the United States due to habitat loss and hunting, but conservation efforts have helped the population rebound. It was removed from the Endangered Species List in 2007.
- Baltimore Oriole
Appearance
Vibrant orange plumage of the male, with black wings and tail. Females have duller orange and yellow plumage.
Diet
Feeds on nectar, fruit, and insects, often hanging upside down from branches to reach its food.
Breeding
Builds intricate hanging nests made of plant fibers, grasses, and other materials. Both parents incubate the eggs and feed the young.
Distribution
Found in the eastern and central United States, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Fun Fact
The Baltimore Oriole is the state bird of Maryland and the inspiration for the Baltimore Orioles baseball team’s name and colors.
- Barn Owl
Appearance
Heart-shaped face and pale golden plumage with black and white spots. Has long wings and a short tail.
Diet
Nocturnal hunter with silent flight, feeds primarily on small mammals, particularly rodents.
Breeding
Nests in cavities, often in barns or other human-made structures. The female lays up to 11 eggs, and both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout the world, with a range that extends from Europe and Asia to Africa and the Americas.
Fun Fact
The Barn Owl is sometimes known as the “ghost owl” because of its pale appearance and silent flight.
- Black-capped Chickadee
Appearance
Small, active songbird with a distinctive black cap and bib, white cheeks, and gray wings and back.
Diet
Feeds on insects, seeds, and berries, often hanging upside down from branches to reach its food.
Breeding
Nests in tree cavities or birdhouses, lining the nest with soft materials like moss and fur. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Black-capped Chickadee has a remarkable memory and can remember the locations of thousands of food caches it has hidden throughout its territory.
- Blue Jay
Appearance
Large, striking bird with blue and white plumage, black crest, and black markings around the neck and eyes.
Diet
Omnivorous, feeding on seeds, insects, and other animals, including small birds and eggs.
Breeding
Nests in trees, building a cup-shaped structure out of twigs and grasses. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found in much of eastern and central North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Fun Fact
The Blue Jay is known for its raucous calls and aggressive behavior, often driving away smaller birds from bird feeders and nesting sites.
- Brown Thrasher
Appearance
Medium-sized songbird with reddish-brown plumage and a long tail. It has a distinctive curved bill for probing in the soil.
Diet
Eats insects, berries, and seeds, often foraging on the ground.
Breeding
Nests in shrubs or low trees, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and leaves. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the Gulf of Mexico.
Fun Fact
The Brown Thrasher has one of the largest song repertoires of any North American bird, with up to 3,000 songs in its repertoire.
- Cedar Waxwing
Appearance
Elegant bird with soft brown and gray plumage, a distinctive crested head, and black mask around the eyes. Has bright red tips on the wings and a yellow tail tip.
Diet
Feeds on fruit, particularly berries, and insects, often in flocks.
Breeding
Nests in trees, building a cup-shaped structure out of twigs and lining it with soft materials like moss and feathers. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, extending from Alaska to Central America.
Fun Fact
Cedar Waxwings have a unique habit of passing fruit from beak to beak while perched in a tree. This behavior is thought to strengthen social bonds and aid in courtship.
- Chimney Swift
Appearance
Small, streamlined bird with dark plumage, long wings, and a short, broad bill.
Diet
Feeds on insects, particularly flying ants, and termites, catching them in flight.
Breeding
Nests in chimneys, often in large groups. Builds a nest out of twigs glued with saliva, forming a half-cup shape.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Canada to South America.
Fun Fact
Chimney Swifts are highly skilled fliers who spend almost all their time in the air, even sleeping while flying. They have small feet and weak legs, making it difficult to perch on a branch or other surface.
- Common Loon
Appearance
Large, striking waterbird with distinctive black and white plumage, red eyes, and a long, dagger-like bill. Has a black-and-white checkered pattern on the back in breeding plumage.
Diet
Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and insects, diving to depths of up to 200 feet to catch prey.
Breeding
Nests on the ground near water, often on islands or in protected bays. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the northeastern United States.
Fun Fact
The Common Loon is known for its haunting, mournful call that echoes across lakes and other bodies of water.
- Common Redpoll
Appearance
Small finch with a distinctive red cap and black chin. Has brownish-gray plumage with black streaks on the sides and wings.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, particularly birch and alder, often hanging upside down from branches to reach its food.
Breeding
Nests in coniferous trees, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and grasses. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found in the far northern regions of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to northeastern Canada.
Fun Fact
The Common Redpoll has a special adaptation to survive in cold climates, with feathers that cover its bill to keep it warm during feeding.
- Cooper’s Hawk
Appearance
Medium-sized bird of prey with dark plumage and a long tail. Has a distinctive rounded head and reddish eyes.
Diet
Feeds on small mammals, birds, and insects, often hunting in wooded areas or near bird feeders.
Breeding
Nests in trees, building a platform of sticks lined with softer materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, extending from southern Canada to northern Mexico.
Fun Fact
The Cooper’s Hawk is sometimes known as the “chicken hawk” because of its habit of preying on domestic chickens and other poultry.
- Dark-eyed Junco
Appearance
Small, sparrow-like bird with gray head and back and white belly. Has a distinctive pink bill and white outer tail feathers.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and insects on the ground, often scratching with its feet to uncover food.
Breeding
Nests on the ground or in low shrubs, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, grasses, and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Dark-eyed Junco is sometimes called the “snowbird” because of its habit of migrating south in the winter to areas with milder climates.
- Double-crested Cormorant
Appearance
Large waterbird with dark plumage and a long, hooked bill. Has distinctive crests of feathers on the head during breeding season.
Diet
Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals, diving to depths of up to 60 feet to catch prey.
Breeding
Nests in colonies on islands or other protected areas near water, building a platform of sticks and other materials.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
Double-crested Cormorants have a unique adaptation to help them swim underwater – they have less buoyancy than most other waterbirds due to their dense feathers, which helps them dive deeper and swim more efficiently.
- Downy Woodpecker
Appearance
Small woodpecker with black and white plumage, a black and white striped head, and a short, chisel-like bill.
Diet
Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found in trees, often drilling holes to find its prey.
Breeding
Nests in tree cavities, often using existing holes or excavating its own. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Downy Woodpecker is one of the most common woodpeckers in North America, and can often be seen in suburban and urban areas as well as wooded habitats.
- Eastern Bluebird
Appearance
Small, striking bird with bright blue upperparts, rusty red breast and sides, and white belly.
Diet
Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found on the ground or in low shrubs.
Breeding
Nests in tree cavities or birdhouses, building a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Eastern Bluebird is a popular bird for backyard birdwatchers to attract, and many people put up birdhouses specifically designed for them.
- Eastern Kingbird
Appearance
Medium-sized bird with black and white plumage, a distinctive white band at the end of the tail, and a red crown patch that is often hidden.
Diet
Feeds on insects, particularly flying insects like bees, wasps, and dragonflies.
Breeding
Nests in trees or shrubs, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and grasses. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Eastern Kingbird is known for its aggressive behavior when defending its nest, often attacking and chasing away much larger birds like crows and hawks.
- Eastern Phoebe
Appearance
Small flycatcher with brownish-gray plumage and a distinctive habit of bobbing its tail up and down.
Diet
Feeds on insects, particularly flying insects like flies and mosquitoes, caught in mid-air.
Breeding
Nests in sheltered areas like rock ledges, bridges, or under eaves, building a cup-shaped nest out of mud and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Eastern Phoebe is one of the first birds to return to its breeding grounds in the spring, and can often be heard singing its distinctive “fee-bee” song before most other birds have arrived.
- Eastern Towhee
Appearance
Large sparrow-like bird with black upperparts, rusty sides, and a white belly. Males have distinctive black heads and throats.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, insects, and other small invertebrates found on the ground.
Breeding
Nests on the ground or in low shrubs, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and grasses. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Eastern Towhee has a distinctive call that sounds like “drink your tea,” with the emphasis on the second and third notes.
- Great Blue Heron
Appearance
Large, wading bird with blue-gray plumage, a white head and neck, and a long, pointed bill.
Diet
Feeds on fish, crustaceans, and other aquatic animals, often standing motionless in the water to catch its prey.
Breeding
Nests in trees or shrubs near water, building a platform of sticks and other materials.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Great Blue Heron is the largest heron species in North America, and can often be seen standing at the water’s edge or flying gracefully over bodies of water.
- Hairy Woodpecker
Appearance
Medium-sized woodpecker with black and white plumage and a long, chisel-like bill.
Diet
Feeds on insects found in trees, often drilling holes to find its prey.
Breeding
Nests in tree cavities, often using existing holes or excavating its own. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Hairy Woodpecker is similar in appearance to the Downy Woodpecker, but is larger and has a longer bill.
- House Finch
Appearance
Small, sparrow-like bird with brownish-red plumage on the head, breast, and back. Has a distinctive conical bill.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and fruits, often seen at bird feeders.
Breeding
Nests in trees or shrubs, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs, grasses, and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Canada to Mexico.
Fun Fact
The House Finch was originally a species of the western United States, but was introduced to the eastern United States in the 1940s and has since become a common bird in many suburban and urban areas.
- House Sparrow
Appearance
Small, chunky bird with brown and gray plumage and a distinctive black bib on the throat.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and insects, often seen at bird feeders or in urban areas searching for scraps of food.
Breeding
Nests in cavities, often using man-made structures like birdhouses or buildings. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Canada to Mexico.
Fun Fact
The House Sparrow is an introduced species to North America, and is now one of the most common and widespread birds in urban and suburban areas.
- Indigo Bunting
Appearance
Small, a striking bird with bright blue plumage and a conical bill. Males have more vibrant blue coloration than females.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and insects found on the ground or in low shrubs.
Breeding
Nests in dense shrubs or small trees, building a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Indigo Bunting is sometimes known as the “blue canary” because of its beautiful blue plumage and sweet, warbling song.
- Killdeer
Appearance
Medium-sized bird with brownish-gray plumage and distinctive black and white stripes on the head and chest. Has a long, pointed tail and a distinctive two-note call.
Diet
Feeds on insects and other small invertebrates found on the ground, often running or walking along the ground to search for food.
Breeding
Nests on the ground, often in open areas like fields or parking lots, making a shallow depression in the dirt or gravel. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Killdeer is known for its elaborate “broken-wing display” that it uses to distract predators away from its nest. The bird will feign injury and lead the predator away from the nest until it is a safe distance away.
- Mallard
Appearance
Large, colorful duck with a green head, yellow bill, and rusty-brown breast. Females are less colorful, with brown plumage and orange bills.
Diet
Feeds on plants and animals found in water, including seeds, insects, and small fish.
Breeding
Nests on the ground near water, building a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other materials. Females care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Mallard is one of the most common ducks in North America and is often seen in urban and suburban areas as well as natural habitats.
- Northern Cardinal
Appearance
Medium-sized bird with a distinctive crest, bright red plumage on the male, and reddish-brown plumage on the female.
Diet
Feeds on seeds, fruits, and insects found on the ground or in low shrubs.
Breeding
Nests in dense shrubs or small trees, building a cup-shaped nest out of twigs and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Northern Cardinal is the state bird of several states in the eastern United States, and is known for its beautiful song and striking appearance.
- Osprey
Appearance
Large bird of prey with a dark brown back, white belly, and distinctive black and white head.
Diet
Feeds almost exclusively on fish, diving from heights of up to 100 feet to catch its prey.
Breeding
Nests on platforms built on poles, trees, or other structures near water. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Osprey is sometimes called the “fish hawk” because of its diet and hunting habits. It is also known for its incredible diving ability, which allows it to catch fish even in choppy water.
- Peregrine Falcon
Appearance
Medium-sized bird of prey with a dark gray back, white belly, and distinctive black “mustache” mark on the face.
Diet
Feeds on birds, catching them in mid-air with its powerful talons and killing them with a swift blow from its bill.
Breeding
Nests on cliffs, tall buildings, or other high structures, building a scrape in which to lay its eggs. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Peregrine Falcon is one of the fastest birds in the world, with speeds that can exceed 240 miles per hour during a high-speed dive called a “stoop”.
- Red-bellied Woodpecker
Appearance
Medium-sized woodpecker with black and white plumage, a red crown, and a red patch on the belly.
Diet
Feeds on insects found in trees, often drilling holes to find its prey.
Fun Fact
Nests in tree cavities, often using existing holes or excavating its own. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
Despite its name, the red belly of the Red-bellied Woodpecker is often hard to see and is not a reliable field mark.
- Red-tailed Hawk
Appearance
Large bird of prey with a dark brown back, pale belly, and distinctive rusty-red tail.
Diet
Feeds on small mammals, birds, and reptiles caught from the air or on the ground.
Breeding
Nests in trees or on cliffs, building a large platform of sticks and other materials. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Alaska to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Red-tailed Hawk is a common bird of prey and is often seen perched on telephone poles or soaring high in the sky.
- Ring-billed Gull
Appearance
Medium-sized gull with gray and white plumage, a distinctive black ring around the bill, and yellow legs.
Diet
Feeds on fish, insects, and other small animals found near bodies of water.
Breeding
Nests in colonies on rocky islands or other inaccessible areas near water. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Ring-billed Gull is a common gull in many urban and suburban areas, and is often seen scavenging for food in parking lots and other public spaces.
- Rock Pigeon
Appearance
Medium-sized bird with gray plumage, a distinctive iridescent neck, and a white rump.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and other small food items found on the ground.
Breeding
Nests on ledges or other protected areas on buildings or other structures. Both parents care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, and is a common urban and suburban bird worldwide.
Fun Fact
The Rock Pigeon is the wild ancestor of the domesticated pigeon, and has been bred into many different varieties for use in racing, show, and other purposes.
- Ruby-throated Hummingbird
Appearance
Tiny bird with iridescent green plumage, a white belly, and a bright red throat patch on the male.
Diet
Feeds on nectar from flowers and small insects caught in mid-air.
Breeding
Nests in trees or shrubs, building a small, cup-shaped nest out of plant fibers and spider webs. Females care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of eastern North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the only hummingbird species that regularly breeds in eastern North America.
- Song Sparrow
Appearance
Small, sparrow-like bird with brown and gray plumage and distinctive dark streaks on the breast.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and insects found on the ground or in low shrubs.
Breeding
Nests on or near the ground, building a cup-shaped nest out of grasses and other materials. Females care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from Canada to Mexico.
Fun Fact
The Song Sparrow has a beautiful, melodic song that can vary widely depending on the individual bird and its geographic location.
- Wood Duck
Appearance
Medium-sized duck with colorful plumage, including a metallic green and purple head, a white chin and throat, and distinctive eye markings.
Diet
Feeds on seeds and other small food items found in or near water.
Breeding
Nests in tree cavities or nest boxes, building a cup-shaped nest out of plant materials. Females care for the young.
Distribution
Found throughout much of North America, with a range that extends from southern Canada to the southern United States.
Fun Fact
The Wood Duck is one of the most colorful and striking duck species in North America, and is a popular bird for hunters and birdwatchers alike.
What birds are common in New York?
Some of the common birds in New York include the American Robin, Blue Jay, Northern Cardinal, and House Sparrow.
What bird is most common in New York?
The most common bird in New York is the House Sparrow.
What are the big birds of New York?
Some of the big birds of New York include the Bald Eagle, Great Blue Heron, and Osprey.
How many birds are in New York City?
It’s difficult to estimate the exact number of birds in New York City, but there are believed to be over 200 species that either live in or migrate through the city each year.
What is the smallest bird in New York?
The Ruby-throated Hummingbird is the smallest bird in New York, with a body length of only 3-4 inches.
The Beauty and Diversity of Birds of New York
New York is home to a wide variety of bird species, ranging from small songbirds to large birds of prey. The state’s diverse habitats, including forests, wetlands, and coastal areas, provide homes for many different species.
Whether you’re a birdwatching enthusiast or just appreciate the beauty of nature, there are many opportunities to observe and learn about these fascinating creatures in New York.
Overview Of The Birds Of New York
When you think of birds in New York the Pigeon is probably one of the birds that come to mind first thanks to the numerous TV shows and movies that feature Central Park.
Even though the Pigeon is widely known, there are almost 500 other known species of birds in New York.
Waterfowls, birds of prey, water birds, shore birds, song birds, and gallinaceous birds are just some of the classifications of birds that make up the almost 500 species.
Waterfowls
These birds live near bodies of water like rivers, lakes, and ponds. The majority of them have webbed feet for swimming and flat-billed beaks.
Waterfowls are often hunted for their meat. Common waterfowls in New York are Mallards, Wood Ducks, Canadian Geese, Canvasbacks, American Black Ducks, and Blue-Winged Teal.
Birds of Prey
These birds are hunters with pointed, curved beaks and will eat vertebrates that range in size from small to large in comparison to the bird’s size. There are five different types of birds of prey:
- Cathartidae
- Accipitridae
- Falconidae
- Pandionidae
- Sagittariidae
These classifications include birds such as falcons, ospreys, hawks, eagles, secretarybirds, and vultures.
Learn More: Bird Symbols: What Are The Spiritual Meanings Of Birds?
Water Birds & Shore Birds
These birds are often found in wetlands near a source of water such as marshes, ponds, streams, and lakes.
Great Blue Heron, Killdeer, Herring Gull, and Common Tern are just a few of the water and shorebirds of New York.
Songbirds
These lovely birds can often be heard at dawn making a chorus of sounds. Approximately half of the world’s birds are songbirds.
In New York, some of the popular songbirds include Eastern Bluebird, American Robin, Blue Jay, and Cardinal.
Gallinaceous Birds
These birds, like waterfowl, are also game birds. They are typically found on the ground looking for food.
Common Gallinaceous birds in New York include Wild Turkey, Northern Bobwhite, Ring-Necked Pheasant, and Ruffed Grouse.
State Bird of New York
In 1970 the state of New York named the Eastern Bluebird as their state bird. These birds have been protected and their numbers have been increasing thanks in part to a nesting box program.
The Eastern Bluebird typically migrates south for the winter, but they are typically among the first birds back in the spring.
These beautiful bluebirds grow to be about seven inches long and weighs an ounce.
Males have bright blue heads and wings with brown chests and white undersides.
The females are less vibrant blue and tend to look more greyish. Other than that, the females color pattern follows that of the males.
Eastern Bluebirds have excellent eyesight and can see insects from over 100 feet away. In addition to insects, these birds will eat seeds, fruits, and berries. They typically search for food in meadows, fields, and orchids.
The best places to birdwatch for Eastern Bluebirds are the state’s environmental education centers, including Five Rivers Environmental Education Center and Stony Kill Farm Environmental Education Center.
Behavior
There are a number of ways that the people in New York plan to help the various birds of New York. Currently, there are eight different proposals that will help the birds and other wildlife in New York.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WR3DyDh0GJ4
Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) Investment
The proposed $300 million would be used to help protect waterfronts, forests, clean water, and more. $500,000 is earmarked to help those people who own forest land to focus on forest regeneration.
Carbon Neutrality
Some species are threatened by climate change; however, New York is working to have 100% renewable energy by the year 2040. This would require all of the electricity to be carbon-neutral.
Offshore Wind Development
In addition to making electricity renewable and carbon-neutral, New York will focus on other types of renewable energy, such as wind power.
Prohibit Offshore Oil and Gas Drilling
In order to protect the habitat of birds that live off the coast and in marine areas, New York will focus on preserving these habitats by moving away from drilling offshore for oil and gas.
Decrease Single-Use Plastic
Another way to help the habitats of the birds in New York is to decrease the amount of single-use plastics that are used.
By inappropriately disposing of various plastic products, the oceans and sources of freshwater are becoming polluted. Two of the biggest offenders are plastic straws and plastic bags.
Bottle Bill
Plastics are not the only type of pollution that harm the habitats of birds. Bottles that are not properly recycled litter important bird areas.
The Bottle Bill would require a monetary deposit on bottles for items that are non-carbonated beverages.
Green Futures Fund
Funding is needed in order to protect the state’s natural resources and environment. This proposal would help to provide the much-needed funding to help maintain clean water, park maintenance, renewable energy, and more.
Water Quality, Quantity, and Protection
It is not only people who need clean water. The birds of New York are also in need of clean water.
By investing in water protection, both in the quality and quantity, as well as the water infrastructure, water sources will be able to be protected.
Bird Adaptations and Changes
Human intervention, pollution, climate change, and other factors will force birds to make adaptations and changes in order to survive. The International Journal of Zoology published a study of how migration patterns have changed.
Due to climate change many of the migratory birds have had to make adjustments to when they start to head south for the winter and when they return in the spring.
With ever expanding cities, birds in New York have had to become resilient and find places to nest that they normally wouldn’t seek out.
Birds can be found making homes on balconies, in places where there is a cross section of support beams, and on window ledges.
Birds in the cities of New York have also had to make adjustments to the food they eat.
If the birds aren’t being fed bread or seeds in the park, they will often scavenge the sidewalks and trash cans for food when they cannot find the insects, nuts, seeds, and fruits that they are used to.
Lifestyle and Health
Depending on the species, where it lives, what it feeds on, and if it has a large number of predators, the lifestyle and health of the birds of New York can vary. Birds are also known to spread disease, too.
The birds that live in New York can be fascinating.
There are many organizations and clubs that you could join if you want to learn more about these incredible creatures.
Some clubs and organizations offer birdwatching events and will help you learn how to birdwatch.
Birdwatching can be done during the day and at night.
By bird watching, at night you could potentially see nocturnal birds that you don’t see during the day.
New York has 10 wildlife refuges and over 20 national parks.
Diseases and Treatments for Birds
Pigeons can cause the human diseases Cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, and psittacosis if their droppings are not cleaned up.
These diseases are typically rare, however, the risk does increase when more Pigeons are in New York between the months of March and July.
Common diseases that the birds of New York can potentially carry include:
- Lyme Disease
- Avian Pox
- Mite or Lice Infestation
- Salmonella
- Aspergillosis
- Trichomoniasis
One way that people can help prevent these diseases and reduce the spread of the diseases is to properly maintain any bird feeders.
The best way to maintain feeders is to make sure the food is fresh and does not get wet. If the food gets wet it can develop harmful bacteria or mold.
Pay attention to the activity that is happening at your feeder. If you notice birds fighting over the food, try adding a feeder.
If there is a lot of food dropping to the ground adjust the feeder’s output if possible or reduce the amount of food left in the feeder. Store the food in a container that is airtight.
If you find a dead bird and need to dispose of it, make sure to use gloves to remove it from the area.
It is also suggested that you remove the feeder and the food for up to two weeks.
Cleaning the feeder and replacing the food is also beneficial.
If you see a sick bird contact a wildlife rescue organization in your area so that they can remove the bird and give it the proper treatment.
Do not bring it into your house, otherwise, you could be bringing in mites or lice if the bird has an infestation.
Characteristics of the 5 Most Common Birds in Central Park
Rock Pigeon
The Rock Pigeon, or Rock Dove, have a 6-year lifespan.
Their coloring can vary, but they typically have grey or black feathers on their heads that can be iridescent green, purple, or blue.
Their chests are frequently lighter in color and their wings have two bars of darker patterning. Their beaks are dark grey and their feet are brownish-pink.
House Sparrow
The house sparrow has a three-year lifespan. This relatively small bird weighs just over an ounce and measures up to six inches.
The males have bright markings that are black, brown, and white in color.
The females are light brown and grey. Their beaks are black and their feet are light brown.
European Starling
The European Starling, also known as the common starling, has a lifespan of roughly three years. They grow up to nine inches in length and weighs just under four ounces. These birds are shiny black in color with orange feet and a yellow bill.
Ring-Billed Gull
The Ring-Billed Gull has a lifespan of approximately ten years. They can grow to over 20 inches in length and can weigh over one pound.
These gulls are mostly white in color with light grey wings and dark tail feathers. Their feet and beaks are yellow and they have light grey eyes.
Mallard
Mallards have a lifespan of up to ten years. They grow to 26 inches in height and can weigh almost four pounds.
Males have orange bills and feet, green heads, brown bodies, and blue wingtips. Females are brown with white and blue on their wings. They have orange and brown bills.
Habitat
As previously mentioned, birds live throughout the state of New York and their habitats vary based on the species.
Birds have made homes in the wetlands, farmlands, near freshwater, the ocean shoreline, parks, and even the city.
The birds in New York that are on the endangered list include: Black Rail, Black Tern, Eskimo Curlew, Golden Eagle, Loggerhead Shrike, Peregrine Falcon, Piping Plover, Roseate Tern, Short-Eared Owl, and Spruce Grouse.
Management
New York allows management of birds through hunting. It is important to check the local laws and procure the proper documentation if you wish to hunt for birds in New York, including licensing and permits.
FAQs
What are the major birds of New York?
The five most common birds found in New York include: Rock Pigeon, Ring-Billed Gull, European Starling, Mallard and House Sparrow.
What are the nocturnal birds in New York?
There are numerous species of nocturnal birds in New York, some of them are: Owls – including Great Horned Owls, Common Nighthawk, and American Woodcock.
What is the state bird of New York?
The state bird of New York is the Eastern Bluebird
Do city-dwelling birds have different characteristics and food preferences than a tree-dwelling bird?
In general, birds that live in the city still have the same nutritional needs as birds of the same species that do not live in the city. Sometimes city birds will resort to eating food from humans if they are not able to find the nutrition that they need.
