List of birds of New York (state) facts for kids

The state of New York is home to an amazing variety of wild birds! As of August 2022, there have been 503 different kinds of birds, plus one pair of similar species, officially recorded here. These birds belong to 23 different groups (called "orders") and 67 different bird families.

This list follows the way scientists group birds, based on the Check-list of North and Middle American Birds. The names of the birds and their families are also from this list.

You'll see some special letters next to certain birds on this list. Here's what they mean:

• (B) Breeding: This bird nests and raises its young in New York. (249 species)
• (†) Extinct: This bird used to live in New York but has now completely disappeared from Earth. (2 or 3 species)
• (E) Extirpated: This bird no longer lives in New York, but you can still find it in other places. (2 species)
• (I) Introduced: Humans brought this bird to New York, and it now lives here on its own. (8 species)
• (IE) Introduced and Extirpated: Humans brought this bird here, but it no longer lives in New York. (2 species)
• (H) Hypothetical: This bird has been seen, but there's no clear photo or proof it was really here. (1 species)

Sometimes, birdwatchers need to report when they see certain birds. Here are some more special letters that tell you when to do that:

• (N): If you see this bird anywhere in New York, please report it! (160 species)
• (U): Report this bird if you see it in upstate New York. (30 species)
• (D): Report this bird if you see it in downstate New York. (4 species)
• (A): Report this bird if you see it outside the Adirondacks. (3 species)
• (P): Report this bird if you see it far out at sea (between 3 and 200 miles from shore) but still in New York State waters. (4 species)
• (S): Report this bird if you see it in New York during springtime. (3 species)

Ducks, Geese, and Swans

Order: Anseriformes Family: Anatidae

This family includes ducks, geese, and swans. These birds are great at living in water. They have webbed feet, flat bills, and special oily feathers that shed water easily. Forty-eight different kinds of these birds have been seen in New York.

New World Quail

Order: Galliformes Family: Odontophoridae

New World quails are small, round birds that live on the ground. They are not closely related to the quails found in other parts of the world, but they look and act similarly. Only one species has been recorded in New York.

• Northern bobwhite, Colinus virginianus (B)

Pheasants, Grouse, and Allies

Order: Galliformes Family: Phasianidae

This family includes pheasants and their relatives. These birds live on land and vary in size, but they are generally plump with wide, short wings. Many are hunted for sport or raised for food. Seven species have been recorded in New York.

• Wild turkey, Meleagris gallopavo (B)
• Ruffed grouse, Bonasa umbellus (B)
• Spruce grouse, Canachites canadensis (A)(B)
• Willow ptarmigan, Lagopus lagopus (N)
• Greater prairie chicken, Tympanuchus cupido (E)
  • Heath hen, T. c. cupido (†)
• Gray partridge, Perdix perdix (I)(N)(B)
• Ring-necked pheasant, Phasianus colchicus (I)(B)

Grebes

Order: Podicipediformes Family: Podicipedidae

Grebes are small to medium-sized diving birds that nest in freshwater. They have special lobed toes that make them excellent swimmers and divers. However, their feet are set far back on their bodies, so they are clumsy on land. Six species have been recorded in New York.

• Pied-billed grebe, Podilymbus podiceps (B)
• Horned grebe, Podiceps auritus
• Red-necked grebe, Podiceps grisegena
• Eared grebe, Podiceps nigricollis
• Western grebe, Aechmophorus occidentalis (N)
• Clark's grebe, Aechmorphorus clarkii (N)

Pigeons and Doves

Order: Columbiformes Family: Columbidae

Pigeons and doves are birds with sturdy bodies, short necks, and thin bills. Eight species have been recorded in New York.

• Rock pigeon, Columba livia (I)(B)
• Band-tailed pigeon, Patagioenas fasciata (N)
• Eurasian collared-dove, Streptopelia decaocto (N)
• Passenger pigeon, Ectopistes migratorius (†)(B)
• Inca dove, Columbina inca (N)
• Common ground dove, Columbina passerina (N)
• White-winged dove, Zenaida asiatica (N)
• Mourning dove, Zenaida macroura (B)

Cuckoos

Order: Cuculiformes Family: Cuculidae

This family includes cuckoos and roadrunners. These birds come in different sizes, but they all have slender bodies, long tails, and strong legs. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Yellow-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus americanus (B)
• Black-billed cuckoo, Coccyzus erythropthalmus (B)

Nightjars and Allies

Order: Caprimulgiformes Family: Caprimulgidae

Nightjars are medium-sized birds that are active at night. They usually nest on the ground. They have long wings, short legs, and very small bills. Their soft feathers are colored to help them blend in with tree bark or leaves. Three species have been recorded in New York.

• Common nighthawk, Chordeiles minor (B)
• Chuck-will's-widow, Antrostomus carolinensis (U)(B)
• Eastern whip-poor-will, Antrostomus vociferus (B)

Swifts

Order: Apodiformes Family: Apodidae

Swifts are small birds that spend most of their lives flying. They have very short legs and almost never land on the ground. Instead, they perch on vertical surfaces. Many swifts have long, swept-back wings that look like a crescent moon. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Chimney swift, Chaetura pelagica (B)

Hummingbirds

Order: Apodiformes Family: Trochilidae

Hummingbirds are tiny birds that can hover in the air by flapping their wings very fast. They are the only birds that can fly backward! Five species have been recorded in New York.

• Ruby-throated hummingbird, Archilochus colubris (B)
• Anna's hummingbird, Calypte anna (N)
• Calliope hummingbird, Selasphorus calliope (N)
• Rufous hummingbird, Selasphorus rufus (N)
• Broad-billed hummingbird, Colibri thalassinus (N)

Rails, Gallinules, and Coots

Order: Gruiformes Family: Rallidae

This is a large family of small to medium-sized birds that includes rails, crakes, coots, and gallinules. Most of these birds live in thick plants near lakes, swamps, or rivers. They are usually shy and hard to spot. They have strong legs and long toes, which help them walk on soft, uneven ground. Eleven species have been recorded in New York.

• Clapper rail, Rallus crepitans (U)(B)
• King rail, Rallus elegans (N)(B)
• Virginia rail, Rallus limicola (B)
• Corn crake, Crex crex (N)
• Sora, Porzana carolina (B)
• Common gallinule, Gallinula galeata (B)
• American coot, Fulica americana (B)
• Purple gallinule, Porphyrio martinicus (N)
• Azure gallinule, Porphyrio flavirostris (N)
• Yellow rail, Coturnicops noveboracensis (N)
• Black rail, Laterallus jamaicensis (N)(B)

Cranes

Order: Gruiformes Family: Gruidae

Cranes are large birds with long legs and long necks. Unlike herons, which look similar, cranes fly with their necks stretched out. They often have fancy and loud dances when they are trying to find a mate. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Sandhill crane, Antigone canadensis (B)

Stilts and Avocets

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Recurvirostridae

This family includes avocets and stilts, which are large wading birds. Avocets have long legs and long bills that curve upward. Stilts have extremely long legs and long, thin, straight bills. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Black-necked stilt, Himantopus mexicanus (N)
• American avocet, Recurvirostra americana

Oystercatchers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Haematopodidae

Oystercatchers are large, easy-to-spot, and noisy birds that look a bit like plovers. They have strong bills that they use to break open or pry apart shellfish. One species has been recorded in New York.

• American oystercatcher, Haematopus palliatus (U)(B)

Plovers and Lapwings

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Charadriidae

This family includes plovers and lapwings. They are small to medium-sized birds with compact bodies, short, thick necks, and long, often pointed wings. They live in open areas around the world, usually near water. Ten species have been recorded in New York.

• Northern lapwing, Vanellus vanellus (N)
• Black-bellied plover, Pluvialis squatarola
• American golden-plover, Pluvialis dominica
• Pacific golden-plover, Pluvialis fulva (N)
• Killdeer, Charadrius vociferus (B)
• Semipalmated plover, Charadrius semipalmatus
• Piping plover, Charadrius melodus (U)(B)
• Common ringed plover, Charadrius hiaticula (N)
• Wilson's plover, Charadrius wilsonia (N)
• Snowy plover, Charadrius nivosus (N)

Sandpipers and Allies

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Scolopacidae

This is a large and varied family of small to medium-sized shorebirds. It includes sandpipers, curlews, godwits, and many others. Most of these birds eat small bugs they find in mud or soil. Different bill and leg lengths allow many species to feed in the same areas without competing for food. Forty-three species have been recorded in New York.

Skuas and Jaegers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Stercorariidae

Skuas and jaegers are birds that travel very long distances. They nest in the far north (the Arctic) but fly all the way to Antarctica. During nesting season, they hunt small mammals and birds. At other times, they scavenge for food or steal it from other birds. Five species have been recorded in New York.

• Great skua, Stercorarius skua (N)
• South polar skua, Stercorarius maccormicki (N)
• Pomarine jaeger, Stercorarius pomarinus
• Parasitic jaeger, Stercorarius parasiticus
• Long-tailed jaeger, Stercorarius longicaudus (P)

Auks, Murres, and Puffins

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Alcidae

Alcids look a bit like penguins with their black and white colors and upright standing. But they are not closely related to penguins and can fly! Auks live in the open ocean and only come to land to nest. Eight species have been recorded in New York.

• Dovekie, Alle alle (U)
• Common murre, Uria aalge (P)
• Thick-billed murre, Uria lomvia (N)
• Razorbill, Alca torda (U)
• Black guillemot, Cepphus grylle (U)
• Long-billed murrelet, Brachyramphus perdix (N)
• Ancient murrelet, Synthliboramphus antiques (N)
• Atlantic puffin, Fratercula arctica (N)

Gulls, Terns, and Skimmers

Order: Charadriiformes Family: Laridae

This family includes gulls, terns, and skimmers. They are medium to large seabirds, usually gray or white, often with black marks on their heads or wings. They have strong, somewhat long bills and webbed feet. Thirty-six species have been recorded in New York.

Tropicbirds

Order: Phaethontiformes Family: Phaethontidae

Tropicbirds are slim, white birds of tropical oceans. They have very long tail feathers in the middle. Their long wings and heads have black markings. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• White-tailed tropicbird, Phaethon lepturus (N)
• Red-billed tropicbird, Phaethon aethereus (N)

Loons

Order: Gaviiformes Family: Gaviidae

Loons are water birds about the size of large ducks. They are mostly gray or black and have pointed bills. Loons swim and fly well, but because their legs are at the back of their bodies, they are clumsy on land. Four species have been recorded in New York.

• Red-throated loon, Gavia stellata
• Pacific loon, Gavia pacifica (N)
• Common loon, Gavia immer (B)
• Yellow-billed loon, Gavia adamsii (N)

Albatrosses

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Diomedeidae

Albatrosses are among the largest flying birds. Some, like the great albatrosses, have the biggest wingspans of any living bird. One species has appeared in New York.

• Yellow-nosed albatross, Thalassarche chlororhynchos (N)

Southern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Oceanitidae

Storm-petrels are the smallest seabirds. They are related to petrels and eat tiny ocean creatures and small fish from the water's surface, often while hovering. They fly with quick, fluttering movements. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Wilson's storm-petrel, Oceanites oceanicus (U)
• White-faced storm-petrel, Pelagodroma marina (N)

Northern Storm-Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Hydrobatidae

These storm-petrels look and act much like the southern storm-petrels. However, genetic differences show they belong in their own family. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Leach's storm-petrel, Hydrobates leucorhous (P)
• Band-rumped storm-petrel, Hydrobates castro (N)

Shearwaters and Petrels

Order: Procellariiformes Family: Procellariidae

This group includes medium-sized "true petrels." They have nostrils that are joined together and a long, working outer wing feather. Ten species have been recorded in New York.

• Northern fulmar, Fulmarus glacialis (U)
• Trindade petrel, Pterodroma arminjoniana (N)
• Mottled petrel, Pterodroma inexpectata (N)
• Black-capped petrel, Pterodroma hasitata (N)
• Fea's petrel, Pterodroma feae (N)
• Cory's shearwater, Calonectris diomedea (U)
• Sooty shearwater, Ardenna griseus (U)
• Great shearwater, Ardenna gravis (U)
• Manx shearwater, Puffinus puffinus (U)
• Audubon's shearwater, Puffinus lherminieri (P)

Storks

Order: Ciconiiformes Family: Ciconiidae

Storks are large, heavy wading birds with long legs, long necks, and strong, thick bills. They have wide wings. Unlike other wading birds, storks don't have special "powder down" feathers to clean off fish slime. Storks also can't make sounds because they don't have a voice box. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Wood stork, Mycteria americana (N)

Frigatebirds

Order: Suliformes Family: Fregatidae

Frigatebirds are large seabirds usually found over tropical oceans. They are big, black, or black and white, with long wings and deeply forked tails. Male frigatebirds have colorful throat pouches that they can inflate. They don't swim or walk well and can't take off from flat ground. They have the largest wing-to-weight ratio of any bird, meaning they are built for flying and can stay in the air for over a week! One species has been recorded in New York.

• Magnificent frigatebird, Fregata magnificens (N)

Boobies and Gannets

Order: Suliformes Family: Sulidae

This family includes gannets and boobies. Both are medium-large coastal seabirds that dive headfirst into the water to catch fish. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Brown booby, Sula leucogaster (N)
• Northern gannet, Morus bassanus

Anhingas

Order: Suliformes Family: Anhingidae

Anhingas are water birds that look like cormorants, but they have very long necks and long, straight beaks. They eat fish and often swim with only their neck above the water. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Anhinga, Anhinga anhinga (N)

Cormorants and Shags

Order: Suliformes Family: Phalacrocoracidae

Cormorants are medium to large water birds, usually with mostly dark feathers and colorful skin on their faces. Their bills are long, thin, and sharply hooked. They have four webbed toes on each foot. Three species have been recorded in New York.

• Great cormorant, Phalacrocorax carbo
• Double-crested cormorant, Nannopterum auritum (B)
• Neotropic cormorant, Nannopterum brasilianum (N)

Pelicans

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Pelecanidae

Pelicans are very large water birds with a special pouch under their beak. Like other birds in their group, they have four webbed toes. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• American white pelican, Pelecanus erythrorhynchos
• Brown pelican, Pelecanus occidentalis (U)

Herons, Egrets, and Bitterns

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Ardeidae

This family includes herons, egrets, and bitterns. Herons and egrets are medium to large wading birds with long necks and legs. Bitterns usually have shorter necks and are more secretive. Birds in this family fly with their necks pulled back, unlike other long-necked birds like storks. Fourteen species have been recorded in New York.

• American bittern, Botaurus lentiginosus (B)
• Least bittern, Ixobrychus exilis (B)
• Great blue heron, Ardea herodias (B)
• Great egret, Ardea alba (B)
• Little egret, Egretta garzetta (N)
• Western reef-heron, Egretta gularis (N)
• Snowy egret, Egretta thula (B)
• Little blue heron, Egretta caerulea (B)
• Tricolored heron, Egretta tricolor (U)(B)
• Reddish egret, Egretta rufescens (N)
• Cattle egret, Bubulcus ibis (B)
• Green heron, Butorides virescens (B)
• Black-crowned night-heron, Nycticorax nycticorax (B)
• Yellow-crowned night-heron, Nyctanassa violacea (B)

Ibises and Spoonbills

Order: Pelecaniformes Family: Threskiornithidae

This family includes ibises and spoonbills. They have long, wide wings and long bodies with rather long legs. Their bills are also long; ibises have bills that curve downward, while spoonbills have straight, flat bills. Four species have been recorded in New York.

• White ibis, Eudocimus albus (N)
• Glossy ibis, Plegadis falcinellus (B)
• White-faced ibis, Plegadis chihi (N)
• Roseate spoonbill, Platalea ajaja (N)

New World Vultures

Order: Cathartiformes Family: Cathartidae

New World vultures are not closely related to vultures found in other parts of the world, but they look similar because they evolved in similar ways. Like other vultures, they eat dead animals. Unlike Old World vultures, some New World vultures have a good sense of smell to find food. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Black vulture, Coragyps atratus (B)
• Turkey vulture, Cathartes aura (B)

Osprey

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Pandionidae

The Osprey family has only one type of bird: the Osprey! These birds of prey eat fish. They have a very large, strong, hooked beak for tearing meat, strong legs, powerful claws, and excellent eyesight.

• Osprey, Pandion haliaetus (B)

Hawks, Eagles, and Kites

Order: Accipitriformes Family: Accipitridae

This family includes hawks, eagles, kites, and harriers. These birds of prey have very large, strong, hooked beaks for tearing meat, strong legs, powerful claws, and excellent eyesight. Sixteen species have been recorded in New York.

• White-tailed kite, Elanus leucurus (N)
• Swallow-tailed kite, Elanoides forficatus (N)
• Golden eagle, Aquila chrysaetos (B)
• Northern harrier, Circus hudsonius (B)
• Sharp-shinned hawk, Accipiter striatus (B)
• Cooper's hawk, Accipiter cooperii (B)
• American goshawk, Accipiter atricapillus (B)
• Bald eagle, Haliaeetus leucocephalus (B)
• Mississippi kite, Ictinia mississippiensis (N)(B)
• Roadside hawk, Rupornis magnirostris (accidental)
• Red-shouldered hawk, Buteo lineatus (B)
• Broad-winged hawk, Buteo platypterus (B)
• Swainson's hawk, Buteo swainsoni (N)
• Red-tailed hawk, Buteo jamaicensis (B)
• Rough-legged hawk, Buteo lagopus
• Ferruginous hawk, Buteo regalis (N)

Barn-Owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Tytonidae

Barn-owls are medium to large owls with big heads and unique heart-shaped faces. They have long, strong legs with powerful claws. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Barn owl, Tyto alba (B)

Owls

Order: Strigiformes Family: Strigidae

Typical owls are usually solitary birds of prey that are active at night. They have large eyes that face forward and good hearing. They also have a hawk-like beak and a circle of feathers around each eye. Eleven species have been recorded in New York.

• Eastern screech-owl, Megascops asio (B)
• Great horned owl, Bubo virginianus (B)
• Snowy owl, Bubo scandiacus
• Northern hawk owl, Surnia ulula (N)
• Burrowing owl, Athene cunicularia (N)
• Barred owl, Strix varia (B)
• Great gray owl, Strix nebulosa (N)
• Long-eared owl, Asio otus (B)
• Short-eared owl, Asio flammeus (B)
• Boreal owl, Aegolius funereus (N)
• Northern saw-whet owl, Aegolius acadicus (B)

Kingfishers

Order: Coraciiformes Family: Alcedinidae

Kingfishers are medium-sized birds with large heads, long, pointed bills, short legs, and stubby tails. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Belted kingfisher, Megaceryle alcyon (B)

Woodpeckers

Order: Piciformes Family: Picidae

Woodpeckers are small to medium-sized birds with chisel-like beaks, short legs, stiff tails, and long tongues for catching insects. Many woodpeckers tap loudly on tree trunks with their beaks. Eleven species have been recorded in New York.

• Lewis's woodpecker, Melanerpes lewis (N)
• Red-headed woodpecker, Melanerpes erythrocephalus (B)
• Red-bellied woodpecker, Melanerpes carolinus (B)
• Williamson's sapsucker, Sphyrapicus thyroideus (N)
• Yellow-bellied sapsucker, Sphyrapicus varius (B)
• American three-toed woodpecker, Picoides dorsalis (N)(B)
• Black-backed woodpecker, Picoides arcticus (A)(B)
• Downy woodpecker, Dryobates pubescens (B)
• Hairy woodpecker, Dryobates villosus (B)
• Northern flicker, Colaptes auratus (B)
• Pileated woodpecker, Dryocopus pileatus (B)

Falcons and Caracaras

Order: Falconiformes Family: Falconidae

This family includes falcons and caracaras. They are different from hawks and eagles because they kill their prey with their beaks instead of their claws. Six species have been recorded in New York.

• Crested caracara, Caracara plancus (N)
• American kestrel, Falco sparverius (B)
• Merlin, Falco columbarius (B)
• Eurasian hobby, Falco subbuteo (accidental)
• Gyrfalcon, Falco rusticolus (N)
• Peregrine falcon, Falco peregrinus (B)

New World and African Parrots

Order: Psittaciformes Family: Psittacidae

Parrots are birds of various sizes with a special curved beak. They can move their upper beak a little bit and usually stand upright. All parrots have two toes pointing forward and two pointing backward on each foot. Most of the more than 150 species in this family live in the Americas. One species has definitely been recorded in New York, and another extinct one might have been.

• Monk parakeet, Myiopsitta monachus (I)(B)
• Carolina parakeet, Conuropsis carolinensis (†)(H)

Tyrant Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Tyrannidae

Tyrant flycatchers are songbirds found all over North and South America. They look a bit like flycatchers from other parts of the world, but they are stronger and have thicker bills. They don't have the fancy singing abilities of many other songbirds. Most of them eat insects. Twenty-two species have been recorded in New York.

Vireos and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Vireonidae

Vireos are small to medium-sized songbirds mostly found in the Americas. They are usually greenish and look like wood warblers, but they have stronger bills. Eight species have been recorded in New York.

• White-eyed vireo, Vireo griseus (B)
• Bell's vireo, Vireo bellii (N)
• Yellow-throated vireo, Vireo flavifrons (B)
• Cassin's vireo, Vireo cassinii (N)
• Blue-headed vireo, Vireo solitarius (B)
• Philadelphia vireo, Vireo philadelphicus (B)
• Warbling vireo, Vireo gilvus (B)
• Red-eyed vireo, Vireo olivaceus (B)

Shrikes

Order: Passeriformes Family: Laniidae

Shrikes are songbirds famous for catching other birds and small animals. They often stick the parts they don't eat onto thorns or barbed wire. A shrike's beak is hooked, like a bird of prey. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Loggerhead shrike, Lanius ludovicianus (N)(B)
• Northern shrike, Lanius borealis

Crows, Jays, and Magpies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Corvidae

This family includes crows, ravens, jays, and magpies. Corvids are larger than average for songbirds, and some of the bigger species are very smart. Six species have been recorded in New York.

• Canada jay, Perisoreus canadensis (A)(B)
• Blue jay, Cyanocitta cristata (B)
• Black-billed magpie, Pica hudsonia (N)
• American crow, Corvus brachyrhynchos (B)
• Fish crow, Corvus ossifragus (B)
• Common raven, Corvus corax (B)

Tits, Chickadees, and Titmice

Order: Passeriformes Family: Paridae

The Paridae are mostly small, plump woodland birds with short, strong bills. Some have crests on their heads. They are adaptable birds that eat a mix of seeds and insects. Three species have been recorded in New York.

• Black-capped chickadee, Poecile atricapillus (B)
• Boreal chickadee, Poecile hudsonica (B)
• Tufted titmouse, Baeolophus bicolor (B)

Larks

Order: Passeriformes Family: Alaudidae

Larks are small birds that live on the ground. They often have very showy songs and display flights. Most larks look quite plain. They eat insects and seeds. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Eurasian skylark, Alauda arvensis (IE)(B)
• Horned lark, Eremophila alpestris (B)

Swallows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Hirundinidae

This family of birds is built for catching food while flying. They have slender bodies, long, pointed wings, and a short bill with a wide mouth. Their feet are better for perching than walking. Ten species have been recorded in New York.

• Bank swallow, Riparia riparia (B)
• Tree swallow, Tachycineta bicolor (B)
• Violet-green swallow, Tachycineta thalassina (N)
• Northern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx serripennis (B)
• Southern rough-winged swallow, Stelgidopteryx ruficollis (accidental)
• Purple martin, Progne subis (B)
• Gray-breasted martin, Progne chalybea (N)
• Barn swallow, Hirundo rustica (B)
• Cliff swallow, Petrochelidon pyrrhonota (B)
• Cave swallow, Petrochello fulva (N)

Kinglets

Order: Passeriformes Family: Regulidae

Kinglets are a small family of birds that look a bit like titmice. They are very tiny birds that eat insects. Adult kinglets have colorful crowns on their heads, which is how they got their name. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Ruby-crowned kinglet, Corthylio calendula (B)
• Golden-crowned kinglet, Regulus satrapa (B)

Waxwings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Bombycillidae

Waxwings are a group of songbirds with soft, silky feathers and unique red tips on some of their wing feathers. These tips look like the old-fashioned sealing wax, which gives the group its name. These birds live in northern forests. They eat insects in the summer and berries in the winter. Two species have been recorded in New York.

• Bohemian waxwing, Bombycilla garrulus
• Cedar waxwing, Bombycilla cedrorum (B)

Nuthatches

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sittidae

Nuthatches are small woodland birds. They have a special ability to climb down trees headfirst, which most other birds can't do. Nuthatches have big heads, short tails, and strong bills and feet. Three species have been recorded in New York.

• Red-breasted nuthatch, Sitta canadensis (B)
• White-breasted nuthatch, Sitta carolinensis (B)
• Brown-headed nuthatch, Sitta pusilla (N)

Treecreepers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Certhiidae

Treecreepers are small woodland birds that are brown on top and white underneath. They have thin, pointed bills that curve downward, which they use to pull insects out of tree bark. They have stiff tail feathers, like woodpeckers, that help them support themselves on vertical trees. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Brown creeper, Certhia americana (B)

Gnatcatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Polioptilidae

These delicate birds look like Old World warblers in their shape and habits. They move constantly through leaves looking for insects. Gnatcatchers are mostly soft bluish-gray and have the long, sharp bill typical of insect-eating birds. Many species have unique black patterns on their heads (especially males) and long, often cocked, black and white tails. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Blue-gray gnatcatcher, Polioptila caerulea (B)

Wrens

Order: Passeriformes Family: Troglodytidae

Wrens are small and often hard-to-see birds, except for their loud songs. They have short wings and thin, downward-curving bills. Several species often hold their tails straight up. All wrens eat insects. Seven species have been recorded in New York.

• Rock wren, Salpinctes obsoletus (N)
• Bewick's wren, Thryomanes bewickii (N)(B)
• Carolina wren, Thryothorus ludovicianus (B)
• House wren, Troglodytes aedon (B)
• Winter wren, Troglodytes hiemalis (B)
• Sedge wren, Cistothorus platensis (B)
• Marsh wren, Cistothorus palustris (B)

Mockingbirds and Thrashers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Mimidae

This family includes thrashers, mockingbirds, and catbirds. These birds are known for their amazing songs, especially their ability to copy many different bird calls and other sounds they hear. They tend to be dull gray and brown in color. Four species have been recorded in New York.

• Gray catbird, Dumetella carolinensis (B)
• Brown thrasher, Toxostoma rufum (B)
• Sage thrasher, Oreoscoptes montanus (N)
• Northern mockingbird, Mimus polyglottos (B)

Starlings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Sturnidae

Starlings are small to medium-sized songbirds with strong feet. They fly strongly and directly, and most live in large groups. They prefer open areas and eat insects and fruit. Many species have dark feathers with a shiny, metallic look. One species has been recorded in New York.

• European starling, Sturnus vulgaris (I)(B)

Thrushes and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Turdidae

Thrushes are a group of songbirds, mostly found in other parts of the world, but also here. They are plump, soft-feathered, small to medium-sized birds that eat insects or sometimes everything. They often feed on the ground. Many have beautiful songs. Thirteen species have been recorded in New York.

• Eastern bluebird, Sialia sialis (B)
• Mountain bluebird, Sialia currucoides (N)
• Townsend's solitaire, Myadestes townsendi (N)
• Veery, Catharus fuscescens (B)
• Gray-cheeked thrush, Catharus minimus
• Bicknell's thrush, Catharus bicknelli (N outside known breeding area)(B)
• Swainson's thrush, Catharus ustulatus (B)
• Hermit thrush, Catharus guttatus (B)
• Wood thrush, Hylocichla mustelina (B)
• Fieldfare, Turdus pilaris (N)
• Redwing, Turdus iliacus (N)
• American robin, Turdus migratorius (B)
• Varied thrush, Ixoreus naevius (N)

Old World Flycatchers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Muscicapidae

Old World flycatchers are a large family of small songbirds. These are mainly small birds that live in trees and eat insects, often catching them while flying. One species has been recorded in New York.

• Northern wheatear, Oenanthe oenanthe (N)

Old World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passeridae

Old World sparrows are small songbirds. They are generally plump, brownish or grayish birds with short tails and strong, short beaks. Sparrows eat seeds, but they also eat small insects. One species has been recorded in New York.

• House sparrow, Passer domesticus (I)(B)

Wagtails and Pipits

Order: Passeriformes Family: Motacillidae

This family includes wagtails and pipits. They are small songbirds with medium to long tails. They are slender birds that find food on the ground in open areas, mainly eating insects. One species and a species pair have been recorded in New York.

• Eastern yellow wagtail/Western yellow wagtail ("Yellow") wagtail, Motacilla tschutschensis/Motacilla flava (N)
• American pipit, Anthus rubescens

Finches and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Fringillidae

Finches are songbirds that eat seeds. They are small to medium-sized and have strong, often cone-shaped beaks. All finches have twelve tail feathers and nine main wing feathers. These birds fly with a bouncy motion, flapping and then gliding with their wings closed. Most finches sing well. Thirteen species have been recorded in New York.

• Brambling, Fringilla montifringilla (N)
• Evening grosbeak, Coccothraustes vespertinus (B)
• Pine grosbeak, Pinicola enucleator
• Gray-crowned rosy-finch, Leucosticte tephrocotis (N)
• House finch, Haemorhous mexicanus (I)(B)(native to the southwestern U.S.; introduced in the east)
• Purple finch, Haemorhous purpureus (B)
• Common redpoll, Acanthis flammea
• Hoary redpoll, Acanthis hornemanni (D)
• Red crossbill, Loxia curvirostra (B)
• White-winged crossbill, Loxia leucoptera (B)
• European goldfinch, Carduelis carduelis (IE)(B)
• Pine siskin, Spinus pinus (B)
• American goldfinch, Spinus tristis (B)

Longspurs and Snow Buntings

Order: Passeriformes Family: Calcariidae

This group of songbirds used to be considered part of the New World sparrows, but they are different in several ways. They are usually found in open grassy areas. Four species have been recorded in New York.

• Lapland longspur, Calcarius lapponicus
• Chestnut-collared longspur, Calcarius ornatus (N)
• Smith's longspur, Calcarius pictus (N)
• Snow bunting, Plectrophenax nivalis

New World Sparrows

Order: Passeriformes Family: Passerellidae

Until 2017, these birds were grouped with another family, but now they have their own. Most are called sparrows, but they are not closely related to the Old World sparrows. Many of these birds have unique patterns on their heads. Twenty-nine species have been recorded in New York.

• Cassin's sparrow, Peucaea cassinii (N)
• Bachman's sparrow, Peucaea aestivalis (N)
• Grasshopper sparrow, Ammodramus savannarum (B)
• Lark sparrow, Chondestes grammacus
• Lark bunting, Calamospiza melanocorys (N)
• Chipping sparrow, Spizella passerina (B)
• Clay-colored sparrow, Spizella pallida (B)
• Field sparrow, Spizella pusilla (B)
• Fox sparrow, Passerella iliaca
• American tree sparrow, Spizelloides arborea
• Dark-eyed junco, Junco hyemalis (B)
• White-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia leucophrys
• Golden-crowned sparrow, Zonotrichia atricapilla (N)
• Harris's sparrow, Zonotrichia querula (N)
• White-throated sparrow, Zonotrichia albicollis (B)
• Vesper sparrow, Pooecetes gramineus (B)
• LeConte's sparrow, Ammospiza leconteii (N)
• Seaside sparrow, Ammospiza maritima (U)(B)
• Nelson's sparrow, Ammospiza nelsoni
• Saltmarsh sparrow, Ammospiza caudacuta (U)(B)
• Baird's sparrow, Centronyx bairdii (N)
• Henslow's sparrow, Centronyx henslowii (B)
• Savannah sparrow, Passerculus sandwichensis (B)
• Song sparrow, Melospiza melodia (B)
• Lincoln's sparrow, Melospiza lincolnii (B)
• Swamp sparrow, Melospiza georgiana (B)
• Green-tailed towhee, Pipilo chlorurus (N)
• Spotted towhee, Pipilo maculatus (N)
• Eastern towhee, Pipilo erythrophthalmus (B)

Yellow-breasted Chat

Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteriidae

This bird was once thought to be a wood-warbler, but scientists weren't sure. In 2017, it was placed in its own family.

• Yellow-breasted chat, Icteria virens (B)

Troupials and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Icteridae

This group includes grackles, New World blackbirds, and New World orioles. They are small to medium-sized, often colorful songbirds found only in the Americas. Most species are mainly black, sometimes with bright yellow, orange, or red. Fifteen species have been recorded in New York.

• Yellow-headed blackbird, Xanthocephalus xanthocephalus
• Bobolink, Dolichonyx oryzivorus (B)
• Eastern meadowlark, Sturnella magna (B)
• Western meadowlark, Sturnella neglecta (N)(B)
• Orchard oriole, Icterus spurius (B)
• Bullock's oriole, Icterus bullockii (N)
• Baltimore oriole, Icterus galbula (B)
• Scott's oriole, Icterus parisorum (N)
• Red-winged blackbird, Agelaius phoeniceus (B)
• Bronzed cowbird, Molothrus aeneus (N)
• Brown-headed cowbird, Molothrus ater (B)
• Rusty blackbird, Euphagus carolinus (B)
• Brewer's blackbird, Euphagus cyanocephalus (N)
• Common grackle, Quiscalus quiscula (B)
• Boat-tailed grackle, Quiscalus major (U)(B)

New World Warblers

Order: Passeriformes Family: Parulidae

Wood warblers are a group of small, often colorful songbirds found only in the Americas. Most live in trees, but some spend more time on the ground. Most members of this family eat insects. Forty-four species have been recorded in New York.

• Ovenbird, Seiurus aurocapilla (B)
• Worm-eating warbler, Helmitheros vermivorum (B)
• Louisiana waterthrush, Parkesia motacilla (B)
• Northern waterthrush, Parkesia noveboracensis (B)
• Golden-winged warbler, Vermivora chrysoptera (B)
• Blue-winged warbler, Vermivora cyanoptera (B)
• Black-and-white warbler, Mniotilta varia (B)
• Prothonotary warbler, Protonotaria citrea (B)
• Swainson's warbler, Limnothlypis swainsonii (N)
• Tennessee warbler, Leiothlypis peregrina (B)
• Orange-crowned warbler, Leiothlypis celata
• Nashville warbler, Leiothlypis ruficapilla (B)
• Virginia's warbler, Leiothlypis virginiae (N)
• Connecticut warbler, Oporornis agilis
• MacGillivray's warbler, Geothlypis tolmiei (N)
• Mourning warbler, Geothlypis philadelphia (B)
• Kentucky warbler, Geothlypis formosa (B)
• Common yellowthroat, Geothlypis trichas (B)
• Hooded warbler, Setophaga citrina (B)
• American redstart, Setophaga ruticilla (B)
• Kirtland's warbler, Setophaga kirtlandii (N)
• Cape May warbler, Setophaga tigrina (B)
• Cerulean warbler, Setophaga cerulea (B)
• Northern parula, Setophaga americana (B)
• Magnolia warbler, Setophaga magnolia (B)
• Bay-breasted warbler, Setophaga castanea (B)
• Blackburnian warbler, Setophaga fusca (B)
• Yellow warbler, Setophaga petechia (B)
• Chestnut-sided warbler, Setophaga pensylvanica (B)
• Blackpoll warbler, Setophaga striata (B)
• Black-throated blue warbler, Setophaga caerulescens (B)
• Palm warbler, Setophaga palmarum (B)
• Pine warbler, Setophaga pinus (B)
• Yellow-rumped warbler, Setophaga coronata (B)
• Yellow-throated warbler, Setophaga dominica (B)
• Prairie warbler, Setophaga discolor (B)
• Grace's warbler, Setophaga graciae (N)
• Black-throated gray warbler, Setophaga nigrescens (N)
• Townsend's warbler, Setophaga townsendi (N)
• Hermit warbler, Setophaga occidentalis (N)
• Black-throated green warbler, Setophaga virens (B)
• Canada warbler, Cardellina canadensis (B)
• Wilson's warbler, Cardellina pusilla (B)
• Painted redstart, Myioborus pictus (N)

Cardinals and Allies

Order: Passeriformes Family: Cardinalidae

Cardinals are a family of strong, seed-eating birds with powerful bills. They usually live in open woodlands. Males and females often have different colored feathers. Eleven species have been recorded in New York.

• Summer tanager, Piranga rubra (U)(B)
• Scarlet tanager, Piranga olivacea (B)
• Western tanager, Piranga ludoviciana (N)
• Northern cardinal, Cardinalis cardinalis (B)
• Rose-breasted grosbeak, Pheucticus ludovicianus (B)
• Black-headed grosbeak, Pheucticus melanocephalus (N)
• Blue grosbeak, Passerina caerulea (U)(B)
• Lazuli bunting, Passerina amoena (N)
• Indigo bunting, Passerina cyanea (B)
• Painted bunting, Passerina ciris (N)
• Dickcissel, Spiza americana (B)

Images for kids

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  The eastern bluebird is New York's state bird

See also

• List of birds
• Lists of birds by region
• List of North American birds